Massa out, Hulkenberg in at Ferrari?

(GMM) According to a rumor in the Italian media, Nico Hulkenberg is a candidate to replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari in 2011.

La Stampa newspaper said the rumor came from "a voice" within the famous Maranello based team, where Brazilian Massa – who already has an ongoing contract with Ferrari – struggled alongside Fernando Alonso this season.

German Hulkenberg, 23, has not been retained by Williams for 2011, and his manager Willi Weber has strong links within Ferrari due to his former charge Michael Schumacher's decade-long tenure there.

But another voice at Ferrari insisted: "Felipe is untouchable."

La Stampa acknowledged that the rumor might have been generated by Weber to keep Hulkenberg's name circulating while he is on the market.

Italy's Autosprint reported the same rumor linking Hulkenberg with Ferrari.