Ferrari: Media speculation on Massa 'funny'...

Ferrari has rubbished speculation that it is on the verge of sacking the underperforming Felipe Massa.

Despite seemingly issuing another 'hurry up' to the Brazilian following the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend [see separate story - HERE], the Scuderia has denied the 2008 F1 World Championship runner-up will be shown the door if he fails to shine around the streets of Monte Carlo later this month.

"It was funny to read on the media this morning how the same concepts can be read in a different way from one day to the next one," the Scuderia tweeted.

"What was published on our web site Monday evening just reflected what [Stefano] Domenicali [team principal] said Sunday night about Felipe, nothing more than this! Anyway, someone has found a good opportunity to promote the umpteenth candidate to replace Felipe: this time it is [Jerome] D'Ambrosio...."

D'Ambrosio is the latest in a long line of drivers to be linked with Massa's seat, following on from ex-Force India man Adrian Sutil, Paul di Resta, Mark Webber and Sergio Perez, and while the Lotus F1 test and reserve driver is a long shot, French newspaper, L'Equipe notes, he has the 'advantage of being immediately available' and could fill the void until the end of the season, when Ferrari can put in a place a more 'permanent solution'.

Whether he would be able to do any better than the Brazilian though, is another matter altogether...

What is clear, however, is that Ferrari do expect more from Massa in Monaco: "We expect Felipe to react and fight back after this unlucky weekend, starting in Monaco: we absolutely need his points to also fight for the Constructors' title," Domenicali stated after Sunday's race.