Massa to stay at Ferrari for 2013

After months of speculation, Ferrari have announced that they have renewed their contract with Felipe Massa until the end of the 2013 season. Massa, who claimed his first podium since 2010 at the recent Japanese round, has been contracted to the Italian squad for over a decade.

16 October 2012, 12:00am

1 min read

Felipe Massa

“I am very happy to have reached this agreement,” said the Brazilian on the team’s official website. “Ferrari is my racing family and throughout my entire time in Formula One, I have always driven cars powered by engines built in Maranello. I can’t see myself driving cars propelled by anything else!

“First and foremost, I want to thank President Montezemolo and (team principal) Stefano Domenicali, who had faith in me and who have always supported me, even at the most difficult moments. The team and also all the fans can rest assured that I will do all in my power to help the Scuderia reach the targets it sets itself each year.”

The 31 year-old started to race for the Scuderia in 2006, following a stint at Ferrari-engined Sauber, and over his 116 Grands Prix with the Italian outfit has taken 11 wins, 34 podiums, 15 pole positions and 14 fastest race laps.

“We are pleased to have extended our relationship with Felipe for a further year,” added Domenicali. “He has been part of our family for over a decade and has shown, especially in this recent part of the season, that he is once again competitive at the highest level, which is what is expected of every driver who gets behind the wheel of a Ferrari.

“We have always supported Felipe, even in the most difficult moments of his career and we are certain of his worth and are sure he will know how to repay the confidence this renewal proves we have in him.”

Massa’s new contract means that Ferrari will enjoy stability in their driver line-up for a fourth consecutive season, as Massa’s team mate Fernando Alonso will also be racing for the team in 2013.