Fernando Alonso could be confirmed as a Ferrari driver for 2010 and beyond as early as this weekend, as next year's grid remains largely unfilled just six months before the start of the season in Bahrain. British website Autosport is reporting that an announcement by Ferrari could come at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.

Stalling the deal is the need for Ferrari to offload Kimi Räikkönen in order to make room for Alonso alongside Massa, with negotiations believed to be nearing an end to see the Finn return to McLaren. Also of concern to Ferrari is Massa's racing future, following his near-fatal accident in Hungary in July.

However, the Brazilian's condition is improving rapidly, and reportedly drove a kart in Sao Paulo yesterday. He is also due to go karting today. Ferrari has even suggested a return to F1 may be possible at the end of the season, but with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix just a month away, he may have to wait until 2010.