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Massa open to other options outside Ferrari

Felipe Massa has seen Kimi Raikkonen and Nico Hulkenberg linked with his seat © Associated Press

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Felipe Massa admits he is looking at options outside of Ferrari next season in case he is replaced at the team.

Having had a poor first half of 2012, Massa seemed set to be on his way out until an improved second half of the season saw him given a one-year contract extension. With that deal due to expire this year and recent results having seen him score just 16 points in five races, Massa's future has been called in to question once again and he says he's been assessing his options outside of Ferrari.

"You always have to be aware of what is going on and what might happen in the future," Massa said. "I have always said that I would be happy to race for a team that wants me to be part of it and I will always do my best to find a team that wants me. In the end though, it's always the results that count."

However, Massa maintained that staying at Ferrari was his main goal and that he's hopeful of doing so.

"My situation last year was worse than this year and much more complicated. Whereas this year, the performance was there in almost all races, even if, for various reasons - exploding tyres, spinning in qualifying and starting last - the expected final result didn't come. Without those incidents and others, the championship situation would be different now. Now I just need to put everything together and be more consistent and not have any of these problems. If I do that, then I think I have a good chance of staying here at Ferrari."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.