FERRARI president Luca di Montezemolo has handed Felipe Massa a vote of confidence ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, insisting he “is and will always stay a number one driver”.

Massa has been put in the shade by team-mate Fernando Alonso this season and trails the Spaniard by 63 points heading into the year’s final four races.

The Brazilian’s standing in the team was called into question when he was forced to cede victory to Alonso in July’s German Grand Prix, but results since then have more than justified the Scuderia’s controversial decision.

Back-to-back wins in Italy and Singapore have vaulted Alonso into second place in the championship standings, 11 points down on Red Bull’s Mark Webber.

Massa’s role as wing man to Alonso during the final races of the campaign could be crucial to the outcome of the title race, and Di Montezemolo has backed the 29-year-old to do a professional job.

Di Montezemolo said: “Felipe is and will always stay a number one driver for Ferrari. I expect the performances of a number one driver from him – both in the next four races and next year.

“Those will be crucial to bring us wins next season and to take important points from our opponents in the battle for this world championship.”