Ferrari announces new two-year contract for Massa

Ferrari on Wednesday confirmed speculation that Felipe Massa is staying alongside current teammate Fernando Alonso next year.

And the famous Italian team also said in a media statement that Brazilian Massa, 29, will still be a Ferrari race driver in 2012.

"I am happy to be given the opportunity to drive for Ferrari for a further two seasons," he said.

With Spaniard Alonso under long-term contract, the news ends rumours that Renault’s Robert Kubica might switch to Ferrari in the near future.

The other driver recently linked with Massa’s seat, Mark Webber, has re-signed with Red Bull Racing for 2011.

"We wanted to show proof of stability for the future, believing in the worth of a driver pairing that is without equal in terms of talent, speed and its ability to work together for the good of the team," said team boss Stefano Domenicali.

Ferrari press release

Scuderia Ferrari announces that it has extended its contract with Felipe Massa, who will now drive for the team until the end of the 2012 racing season.

Felipe has been with the Scuderia since 2001. To date, he has competed in 69 Grands Prix for the team: he has taken eleven wins, 30 podium placings, 51 points finishes, fifteen pole positions and twelve fastest race laps, scoring a total of 360 championship points.

“I am happy to be given the opportunity to drive for Ferrari for a further two seasons,” said Felipe. “Throughout my entire Formula 1 career, I have always raced with an engine made in Maranello and it is a matter of pride for me to be able to continue working with a team that I regard as a second family.”

“Felipe has been part of Ferrari for almost a decade and together with us, he has grown as a driver and as a man, going through some very difficult times as well as giving us moments of great happiness,” commented Stefano Domenicali. “We wanted to show proof of stability for the future, believing in the worth of a driver pairing that is without equal in terms of talent, speed and its ability to work together for the good of the team.”