F1: Massa 'extremely motivated' by return chance

Felipe Massa admits he couldn't turn down the chance to help Williams after being confirmed as Valtteri Bottas' replacement in 2017.

The Brazilian originally retired from racing in Formula 1 at the end of last season, with Lance Stroll being brought in alongside Bottas. However, Nico Rosberg's decision to retire immediately after winning the drivers' title saw the Finn lined up as a replacement, in a move that was confirmed on Monday.

With Bottas heading to Mercedes, Williams targeted Massa in order to have continuity in its driver line-up ahead of new regulations and the 35-year-old says he would only reverse his decision to retire for his old team.

"Firstly, I am very happy to have an opportunity to return to Williams," Massa said. "I always intended to race somewhere in 2017, but Williams is a team close to my heart and I have respect for everything it is trying to achieve. Valtteri has a great opportunity, given the turn of events over the winter, and I wish him all the best at Mercedes.

"In turn, when I was offered the chance to help Williams with their 2017 Formula 1 campaign, it felt like the right thing to do. I certainly have not lost any of my enthusiasm for racing and I'm extremely motivated to be coming back to drive the FW40.

"The support from my fans over the last few weeks has been a huge boost and I'm grateful for that. I also look forward to working with Lance; I've known him for many years and seen his talent develop during that time, so I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together."

Asked if he could have driven for another team given his willingness to return to F1, Massa replied: "I have a passion for racing, for competing and for fighting on the track.

"My return is not about seeing Formula 1 as the best option, but is about seeing the role at Williams as the best option. I would not have returned for any other team.

"When I joined Williams back in 2014 I found a team – and a family – that I have loved being a part of. I certainly haven't lost the desire to race and fight on track. Whatever I would have turned my hand to this year, I would have been putting 100% effort into doing the best job that I can, and if I didn't have that passion, I would not have agreed to return."