Ferrari chose Massa for ’speed and harmony’

Ferrari has defended its decision to keep Felipe Massa at the famous team beyond 2012.

Earlier this year, it seemed certain the Maranello outfit would replace the struggling Brazilian for 2013, with Nico Hulkenberg, Paul di Resta and Sergio Perez among the touted candidates.

But Massa, 31, has enjoyed a surge of form in recent grands prix, securing at least an eighth consecutive season at Ferrari next year.

The decision has been criticised in some quarters.

But a news item at Ferrari’s official website insists Massa was not chosen because of a "lack of alternatives", or because Fernando Alonso wanted his current teammate to stay.

"Ferrari alone chooses its drivers," the report reads.

"Many knocked on the doors of Maranello, some were considered, but in the end ... there is no one better than Felipe to deliver the speed, talent and capacity to work for the good of the team," it added.

Ferrari also insisted the fact "harmony reigns within the team" at present was another factor.

Ferrari PR in full

"The decision to extend the agreement with Felipe Massa for another season was carefully weighed up and not just the obvious one. Nor was it inevitable because of the lack of alternatives, nor was it in anyway guided by the wishes of his current team-mate, because Ferrari alone chooses its drivers.

"Many knocked on the doors of Maranello, some were considered, but in the end, a logical conclusion prevailed: there is no one better than Felipe to deliver hic et nunc the speed, talent and capacity to work for the good of the team. The Brazilian’s career displays these qualities as does the fact that harmony reigns within the team, which is united and shows solidarity even in the most difficult moments.

"Fans of the Reds know the score: some decisions are made solely and exclusively for the good of Ferrari. The rest is all idle chatter."