Felipe Massa signs two-year deal with Ferrari
Massa (right) has extended his contract with Ferrari until the end of the 2012 season
Thursday, 10, Jun 2010 04:43
By Adam Leveridge.
Felipe Massa has extended his contract with the Ferrari formula one team for another two years, it has been announced.
Robert Kubica was said to be in line for a switch from Renault to the Maranello-based outfit in 2011, as a replacement for Massa, with the Brazilian struggling to match the pace of his double world champion team-mate Fernando Alonso so far this year.
Many have suggested his near-fatal crash at last year's Hungarian grand prix had impacted on his ability and confidence behind the wheel, however, Ferrari hushed all speculation that they planned to oust Massa from the team by re-signing him until the end of the 2012 season.
"I am happy to be given the opportunity to drive for Ferrari for a further two seasons," said Massa.
"Throughout my entire F1 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."
Massa, who has been linked with Ferrari since 2001 and has held one of the race-seats at the team since 2006, has completed no fewer than 69 races in scarlet, on his way to 11 outright wins, 30 podium finishes, 15 pole positions and 12 fastest laps.
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said Massa's signing was to show stability and belief in their current driver line-up.
"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," said 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."