Motorsport: Webber tipped for Ferrari drive

Mark Webber has far from doused rumours that he is heading to Ferrari for next year's Formula One season.

A Spanish report said the Red Bull driver was set to replace the struggling Felipe Massa on a one-year deal at Ferrari in 2013.

Webber, who has floated on and off Ferrari's radar over the years, is out of contract at Red Bull next year but wants to remain in a competitive team.

Young Mexican Sergio Perez, who has impressed for the Ferrari-engined Sauber team this year, has been strongly linked with a drive at Ferrari.

A point not lost on Webber while at testing at Mugello.

"Sergio was flavour of the month last week for the Ferrari drive; now it's me!" Webber said.

"I'm focusing 100 per cent on this season and doing the best job for myself and Red Bull Racing.

"I'm not putting any energy into anything else."

Webber sits third on the world championship standings following a topsy-turvy start to the season.

Rumours of Massa's departure have been persistent for the past 18 months.

Webber has entered the frame because of his "great relationship" with their lead driver and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso according to Spain's El Confidencial.

Ferrari is tipped to sign Perez long term but may be prepared for him to gain another year's experience before making the change, increasing Webber's chances of being a stop-gap driver.

Red Bull are understood to be keen to promote either Australia's Daniel Ricciardo or Ricciardo's Torro Rosso teammate Jean-Eric Vergne to Webber's seat next season.

However Webber could still make it uncomfortable for Red Bull to let him go by outpointing reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel this season.

After four races this season, he is just five points behind the German.

The Spanish Grand Prix is next week in Montmelo.

- AAP