World championship leader Fernando Alonso has suggested that he would like Felipe Massa to remain with the Ferrari team.

There had been speculation over Massa's future following poor early-season form.

The Brazilian himself admitted that he needed to improve to secure a new deal earlier this month.

Alonso, who is 29 points ahead of Sebastian Vettel in the drivers' championship, hopes that Ferrari retain Massa's services.

"In my opinion we need to have a driver that respects Ferrari and the tradition of this team," the Spaniard told the BBC. "They need to know what the red car stands for. That is the first priority.

"Secondly, I have been working with Felipe for three years now and we have a good relationship.

"If the team decides to change, then whoever comes in must be better than Felipe."

Alonso came third in Singapore last weekend. He has not won a race since the German Grand Prix in July.

The next race is in Japan this weekend.