2012 will be a key year for Massa

Despite various rumours up and down the paddock and in the media, Ferrari have continually confirmed that Felipe Massa will continue with the team next season.

The latest confirmation came this weekend at the Ferrari World Finals at Mugello.

Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali said: 'As for the rumours regarding all the drivers who are due to arrive in Maranello to replace him [Massa], I can only repeat my words and indeed those only recently uttered by our President, in every possible way, Felipe will also be with us [alongside Alonso] in 2012 and that should make you understand how much faith we have in him.'

But while his seat for the 2012 Formula One World Championship is safe, his future in the team looking further into the future is obviously uncertain.

The Brazilian driver is yet to convince many that he is the same driver since his horrifying accident in Hungary in July 2009, failing to repeat the form he had which nearly led him to the F1 title in 2008.

This season, despite being in the third best car on the grid, his best finish has been fifth which he achieved in Malaysia, Valencia, Britain and Germany.

He has earned his team 98 points, which is a staggering 129 points less than team-mate Fernando Alonso.

Massa needs to rediscover his form and 2012 will be the time he needs to prove his ability to his team.

'I am counting heavily on Felipe's will to fight back as he knows next year will be a key one in which, and I'm convinced of it, he will be able to show his true worth.' Domenicali added.