Massa doesn't want to be last resort for Williams

The Brazilian has made it clear that he doesn't want to be seen as a last resort when no other suitable drivers are still available.

The Williams driver's decision is complicated by the fact that its Martini sponsorship means that the team prefers to have one older driver of at least 25.

At one stage Fernando Alonso was in the frame, but the Spaniard's deal to stay at McLaren is expected to be confirmed soon.

"Definitely I'm looking to see what's going to happen," said Massa. "For sure I'm interested to stay if I think everything around is correct for me to stay – what is the plan for the team, what are the ideas for next year, what is around, everything.

"And the team needs to show that they want to have me. If I see that, maybe I stay. If I don't see that, I don't stay.

"I need to carry on the position I always try to have, and I always have, to be honest.

"And I think that's what I'm looking forward for next year. If I find a way to stay in the position that I want for myself, everything around the team, then I stay. Otherwise I don't stay."

Massa agreed that there appeared to be few alternative candidates still on the market.

"I feel exactly the same position. But it's not just because of that, as I said I want to have everything I want in a way that is correct for me."

Asked if the team had to show that it wanted him he said: "Yes. This is up to the relationship I have with them, and everything. I think sooner is better for everyone."

Massa believes that he has been driving well this year, and that he should have scored a lot more points than he has.

"The most important thing is how I feel in the car. I feel really good in the car, quite competitive in the way I'm driving, many races I did I did really great races.

"I'm happy with the way I'm driving, I'm happy with the way I'm working, I'm happy with the way I'm understanding the car. And this is what gives you more motivation."