Nov.23 (GMM) Felipe Massa has urged Rubens Barrichello to announce his immediate retirement from formula one.

Veteran Barrichello revealed this week that he has been frantically seeking sponsors in order to safeguard his Williams seat for 2012, which would be his 20th consecutive season on the grid.

"The advice I would give him is to stop," Ferrari driver Massa is quoted by Globo Esporte.

"In my opinion, Rubens has had an incredible season in formula one, driven for the best teams and won races. Many drivers would love to have had his career."

Massa suggested countryman Barrichello, 40, should not stoop to becoming a pay-driver.

"What I would advise is to stop racing, because of his team and everything that is happening in the category," he explained.

"There are 12 teams and at least six of them ask for money from their drivers. For the career that Rubens has had, I cannot see him ending this way, needing to pay to race in F1."

Massa is quoted by O Estado de S.Paulo: "At 40 years old, he does not need it. He should make the announcement now that he is going to stop.

"If his idea to find investors fails, what is he going to do? Announce in February that he is leaving F1?"

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