The Brazilian has resurrected his career at the Grove-based outfit, after being dropped by Ferrari in favour of Kimi Raikkonen for 2014.

But although he does not yet have a firm deal in place for 2016, he sees no reason why Williams will not take up an option it has on him to keep him on board.

Speaking exclusively to Motorsport.com, Massa said: “I hope to announce the renewal quickly.

“There is a clause in the contract that says that the team can renew my contract, and I don't think that this will take too long.

“There is a time-limit in the contract [September] for the team to take this option, so I don't see why they won't do the renewal.”

Rebuilding Williams

Massa finished seventh in last year’s championship, and currently lies sixth in 2015, just three points off his fourth-placed teammate Valtteri Bottas.

He added: “I came to Williams as an important piece in the changes they were making. They were sure about my possibilities to help.

“The plan was to change the technical side with new engineers, the look of the car with new sponsors and the driver line-up with me.

“Right now I am treated as an important part of Williams. I have the respect of the whole team.”

Bottas future unclear

While Massa expects to be racing for Williams next season, he admits that it is not clear yet who his team-mate will be.

Bottas remains linked with Ferrari, although may decide that his future is best served by staying put for now.

Speaking about his Finnish team-mate, Massa said: “We have a good relationship, not only professional but personal.

“For example, I give to him my opinion about his future, saying that today he is in a top team who are trying to beat the team that wants him. But I don't know if we will beat Ferrari.

“But of course that is a chance for him to remain with us. It's difficult to see what and if something will happen.

“He is an important piece in the team, no doubt. You can't forget how important it is to have a strong pair of drivers nowadays.”

Interview by Felipe Motta