Ferrari has caught the F1 paddock by surprise by announcing that it has added two more years to Felipe Massa’s contract, which means the Brazilian will be on board until 2012.
Robert Kubica has be linked with the team for some months, but the news means that there won’t be an opening for the Pole or anyone else for some time to come.
Ferrari usually announces driver decisions late in the season, but clearly this time there has been an effort to provide Massa with a comfort zone after a difficult start to the year.
“I am happy to be given the opportunity to drive for Ferrari for a further two seasons,” said Felipe in a team statement. “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.”
Team boss Stefano Domenicali said: “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. 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.”
Adam Cooper F1 
by conspiracy theory of the day is that they signed him for 2 years because Alonso haven’t lived up to expectations. He has been making a lot of mistakes.
Should they decide they really want Vettel or Kubica then they could keep Massa around.
My conspiracy theory of the day is that they signed him for 2 years because Alonso haven’t lived up to expectations. He has been making a lot of mistakes.
Should they decide they really want Vettel or Kubica then they could keep Massa around.
Didn’t Kimi Raikkonen have a multi-year contract? He doesn’t appear to be driving for Ferrari this season!
That is a good point!
Luca’s accurate perception of the silent majority.