Ferrari extends Massa contract to end of 2012

With Massa's current deal set to expire at the end of this season, Ferrari Team Principal Stefano Domenicali has recently said that he would retain both drivers for next year although the likes of Mark Webber, Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel have all recently been tipped as future team-mates to Alonso. 

However, Wednesday's confirmation means that the Brazilian will have raced with Ferrari for seven seasons come the end of 2012 - passing the amount recorded by compatriot Rubens Barrichello between 2000 and 2005. 

"I am happy to be given the opportunity to drive for Ferrari for a further two seasons," said the 2008 championship runner-up, who became a race driver for the Scuderia at the start of 2006 but tested for the team between Sauber stints in 2003.

"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," added Team Principal 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."