FELIPE MASSA BELIEVES he can earn a new deal with Ferrari at the end of the season if he continues to improve.

The under-fire Brazilian, whose contract expires at the end of the Formula One season, has struggled in the past few seasons, leading to speculation the Maranello-based team would not renew his deal.

But a fourth-place finish – his best result since 2010 – at the British Grand Prix has left Massa confident of earning a new contract.

“I think if we keep working like that and keep improving the car and working, I don’t see a reason why I cannot be here,” Massa said.

Ferrari held talks with Mark Webber before the Australian decided to stay with Red Bull for next season.

McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton has also been linked with a move to Ferrari, where he would partner Spaniard Fernando Alonso.

A different setup to his car has helped Massa and he said he could prove himself with a good finish to the season.

“I feel much more comfortable and driving in the direction that I like,” he said.

“I feel there is a lot more to come.

“This is the direction we need to keep working – to improve the situation every race and to make a different championship for myself from now until the end of the season.”

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