Massa denies ’good mood’ means new contract signed

Felipe Massa has dismissed claims he has now signed a new deal to stay with Ferrari in 2013.

Intense paddock speculation in Korea suggests the deal is either done or imminently due, and 31-year-old Massa’s good mood has added fuel to the fire.

"Well, I’m always in a good mood," the Brazilian smiled to Spanish sports daily Marca.

Ferrari, however, denied claims made on Brazilian television about Massa’s 2013 deal.

"Perhaps it might come true, but the thing is that it is not (true) yet," Massa is quoted by Brazil’s Totalrace.

"I have not signed anything. It may be that something different happens next week, and it could be (it does) not," he added, referring to the claim an announcement is scheduled for Tuesday.

Massa says commentators who have announced the impending news are jumping the gun.

"Until you sign a contract, it is not reality to talk about already signing," he said.

"It was the same when they said I had signed with Force India two years ago and then I stayed at Ferrari another two years.

"I think I’ll be with Ferrari next year," Massa continued. "I believe; but it’s not signed, so I’m not sure."

However, he admitted his talks with Ferrari are now well advanced.

"Of course we’re talking and we’re doing it in a very positive way for both sides, but reality is when you sign, shake hands and say ’everything is done’.

"That’s what we’re working on happening, but it has not happened yet," Massa insisted.