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Massa decision to come 'very soon' - Domenicali

Felipe Massa is expected to be given a one-year deal by Ferrari for 2013 © Sutton Images

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• Drivers:
• Stefano Domenicali
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• Felipe Massa

• Teams:
• Ferrari

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has revealed a decision on Felipe Massa's future will be made public "very soon".

Massa impressed once again as he finished fourth in the Korean Grand Prix, six seconds behind team-mate Fernando Alonso. Sunday's result followed a second place in Japan and means Massa has now scored 56 points in the last five races - 11 more than Alonso. Domenicali said that he is pleased with Massa's recent performances and that an announcement on his future is imminent.

"I'm very happy because he did an excellent race and an excellent qualifying," Domenicali said. "But I have to say that he's doing a really great job for a couple of races so this is really very promising for the end of the season. And then if I want to anticipate the next question that I'm sure someone would like to ask, very soon you will know what our position will be in that respect."

When asked what he felt had changed to allow Massa's improvement, Domenicali said it was a simple case of experience with the car and tyres.

"I think for sure he's now understanding the car better and the tyres better. We believe that he's a very, very strong driver - of that there is no doubt - because otherwise we would have already taken a different decision. So I feel that now Felipe has his understanding of the tyres and the car under control he is performing at the levels that he should."

The BBC reports that Massa will be given a new one-year contract with Ferrari, with Sebastian Vettel believed to have the option of joining the team in 2014.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.