Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has revealed that he would prefer if Felipe Massa remained with the team for next season.
The Brazilian's future has been thrown into doubt in recent weeks and a poor run of form means that Ferarri could turn to a new driver to partner Fernando Alonso, with Kimi Raikkonen rumoured to be a possible replacement.
However, Domenicali has dropped the biggest hint yet that Massa could sign an extension to his current contract.
"My favourite choice would be, of course, to keep Felipe because Felipe is a very good guy - very dedicated to the team - and when you look around there are not so many drivers out there that you swap and they immediately deliver," Domenicali told the official Formula 1 website.
"But, of course, we need good results from Felipe, so that's why we will not rush as we have to make the right decision for the team. As soon as we have made up our minds we will announce it officially to silence the rumours once and for all."
Massa is currently seventh in the world championship.
