Massa was close to Formula E deal - reports

Felipe Massa was close to signing a deal in Formula E, but negotiations were squashed when it emerged he would be returning to Williams.

The reports come from Spanish sports daily Marca, were it was suggested he would be signing a deal to race in Formula E. With Valtteri Bottas seemingly heading to Mercedes to replace Nico Rosberg, it appears Massa is rejoining Williams to partner rookie Lance Stroll.

"The deal was done," correspondent Jaime Martin said. "However, with Rosberg's decision, everything changed." The report said Massa's contract with the unnamed Formula E team was broken "amicably".