Massa: F1 future safe

Honda, citing the global financial crisis, said last week it was quitting the sport and time is running out to find a buyer for next year.

Media have speculated that other teams could also cease to operate but Brazilian Massa, runner-up to McLaren's Lewis Hamilton in the world championship this year, believes it is unlikely.

"I don't think so, at least not next season. The economic crisis is very serious but the situation can only improve," he told Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport.

"In any case, I hope someone can buy Honda, maybe even a Brazilian firm. It would be very interesting to see a Brazilian team with Brazilian drivers in F1."

Massa was sorry for Honda's Brazilian driver Rubens Barrichello.

"It's been a surprise also for him. If the situation stays like this there will be only [Renault's] Nelson Piquet and me as Brazilians in F1. It's really sad," he said.

"Honda's pullout is a really horrible thing for F1. It's better to have lots of competition."

Massa has been testing in Jerez, Spain for the past few days as Ferrari prepare for new design rules in 2009.

"Definitely the car is different to drive. I think we will all have to change our style of driving," he said.