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Massa eyeing vacant Lotus seat for 2014

ESPN Staff
September 16, 2013 « Points harder to come by - Perez | Grosjean not taking 2014 Lotus drive for granted »
Felipe Massa: "In my opinion, Lotus has a competitive car, which is what I want" © Sutton Images
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Felipe Massa says he is in negotiations with Lotus about a 2014 race drive.

Massa will be replaced by Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari next season, opening up the possibility of a straight swap next year. Lotus has confirmed it is in talks with a number of drivers about 2014 and will make a decision "shortly".

Massa said Lotus appeals to him as the most competitive option remaining on the grid.

"We are negotiating," he told Globo Esporte. "In my opinion, Lotus has a competitive car, which is what I want.

"We are having many conversations to try to find a way, not only for me but for Lotus, to continue with a good car."

Massa revealed he had also talked to McLaren, but said Lotus is currently his best option.

"I've had contact with McLaren but I cannot judge, it's hard to say," he added. "With Lotus, the contact was very good."

Last week Massa's manager Nicolas Todt told Canal Plus that Massa is determined to land a deal at a competitive team next year.

"He never would go to a smaller team to be second driver," Todt said. "We need to find a car that can challenge at the front in F1. The best place available is undoubtedly the one left by Raikkonen at Lotus."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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