Sep.6 (GMM) Felipe Massa is definitely a contender for the 2008 world championship, 1996 title winner Damon Hill believes.

However, the retired 47-year-old Briton, whose most memorable battles were against Massa's former Ferrari teammate Michael Schumacher, admits he often wonders precisely how the 27-year-old Brazilian is a formula one frontrunner.

"What I don't quite understand is how Massa gets the lap times he does when he so often misses the apexes of the corners," Hill told The Guardian.

Messy or not, Hill thinks Lewis Hamilton's 6 point advantage in the drivers' standings is not safe, given Massa's current form.

"What really does impress me is the fact that he displays a determination not to be counted out, or overlooked, when it comes to fighting for the world championship. No question about it, he is a contender," he added.

There is no doubt Massa is a far cry better than his early days in F1, when he was derided by Jacques Villeneuve for not being able to drive "in a straight line", before losing his Sauber seat.

Hill said: "What you've got to remember is that people evolve and Felipe has demonstrated quite a strong determination to make the most of his opportunity as well as showing a willingness to take advice, particularly from Michael Schumacher, which has to be a positive thing."