There has been intense speculation surrounding the Brazilian's future at the team this year following some very poor performances from the driver this year. However he has recovered well and his second place finish in Japan last weekend, his first podium finish since Korea 2010 seemed to give his chances of staying at Ferrari a much needed boost.
His current deal with Ferrari is set to expire at the end of this season and there had ben rumours floating around the paddock recently that the Marnello based team had let the option on Massa lapse, however that would now appear not to be the case as on Sunday evening in Korea Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicalli.
The Ferrari boss believe's that Massa is a very strong driver and the Brazilian showed that today during the race as he was often faster the team-mate Fernando Alonso.
So with the likely announcement that Massa is staying at Ferrari next season, the belief is that Force India's Nico Hulkenberg will join the Sauber team as a replacement for the McLaren bound Sergio Perez to partner Kamui Kobayashi as in an interview with the BBC on Saturday when asked about the possiblity of Esteban Guitterez driving for Sauber next season their new team principal Monisha Keltonborn replied "absolutely not'. So that would leave the door open for Kamui to stay at Sauber.
The big question then would be who would replace the Hulk at Force India. Reports suggest that Adrian Sutil could make a return to the team, however I see this scenario highly unlikely due to Sutil's recent issues.
A possible replacement for him could be Pirelli test driver Jamie Alguersuari. But we shall see what happens.
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