Rubens Barrichello thinks his countryman Felipe Massa is safe to stay at Ferrari.<\/p>\n
Veteran Barrichello left the famous Italian team after the 2005 season, at the end of a period of playing the role of undisputed number two to Michael Schumacher.<\/p>\n
His memories are therefore bittersweet, but as it emerged on Thursday that Fernando Alonso has extended his contract through 2016, Barrichello admitted Massa might be advised to also push for a new deal.<\/p>\n
“I don’t know if Ferrari still operates today as it did ten years ago when I was with Schumacher,” the 38-year-old told radio Jovem Pan.<\/p>\n
“If it is the same as then, I would advise him to get out, but I believe Ferrari is quite different today, so I can’t express an opinion.<\/p>\n
“There are things that were bad for me and apparently better for him (Massa),” he added.<\/p>\n
“Without Schumacher there, Ferrari is a team that is worthwhile going to.\u00a0 They always have a competitive car,” admitted Barrichello.<\/p>\n
Alonso’s new five-year extension surprised the F1 paddock in Barcelona, but Barrichello is sure it includes exit clauses.<\/p>\n
“The contract shouldn’t be blindly analysed by the press,” said the Williams driver.\u00a0 “For sure he has signed up to 2016, but there must be ways out.<\/p>\n
“Such a long contract shows that the team wants to keep Alonso very much, and if I was a leader at Ferrari I would try to do the same thing,” admitted Barrichello.<\/p>\n
“But such a long contract can bring benefits as well as harms to a driver.”<\/p>\n
When asked about Alonso’s new deal on Thursday, Massa told reporters: “It is not yet contract renewal time for myself and I am in no hurry to see what my long term future will be.”<\/p>\n
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