SHANGHAI − Renault driver Robert Kubica has played down fresh speculation he will move to Ferrari, saying it is too early to think about his plans beyond this season.
The man whose place he would take, Felipe Massa, is out of contract at the end of this season and said Thursday he is in no hurry to sign a new deal, despite ongoing suggestions of a Ferrari move for Kubica.
The Polish driver had long been considered a target of Ferrari, and his surprisingly strong start to 2010 he is only nine points off the championship lead prompted new reports of interest from the Italian team.
``There were rumors last year about Ferrari and rumors this year, so we will see,'' Kubica said Thursday ahead of this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.
``Its too early to discuss. I don't think for any seconds or any minutes about next year.
``For now I am happy at Renault, we are happy.''
Ferrari laid out huge sums to sign Fernando Alonso ahead of this season, so Massa would be the driver threatened if the team sought to change its driver lineup.
However the Brazilian, who fought back from life-threatening injuries last year and leads the 2010 drivers' championship after three races, feels secure enough in his status within Ferrari not to push for an acceleration in contract negotiations.
``There is really no rush at the moment from my point of view,'' Massa said. ``Even before my accident last year some talks started to renew the contract and I can say the talks have started again.''
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