Felipe Massa could be set for a return to Sauber as Ferrari continue to groom the young Brazilian.

Massa parted company with the Swiss team at the end of last season, following a debut year in which he was quick but erratic.

However, if paddock rumours are to be believed, the 22-year-old, who is spending this season testing for Ferrari after missing out on a race drive at Jordan, could be back at Sauber in 2004.

The suggestion is that Ferrari will agree to place Massa back at Sauber - who have a customer supply of the Italian team’s engines - in preparation for a job at Ferrari in 2005 when Rubens Barrichello's contract comes to an end.

After proving one of the revelations of 2002, Barrichello has been disappointing so far this year and appears to be struggling to get to grips with the new Ferrari F2003-GA.

There are also suggestions that Sauber may take a risk and hire Neel Jani, if the young Swiss's testing times are good as this would open the way for him to raise more money in Switzerland.