Massa extends Ferrari contract until 2012

Ferrari officially confirmed yesterday that Brazilian Felipe Massa will stay at the Italian team until the end of the 2012 season after signing a contract extension.

"Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro announces that it has extended its contract with Felipe Massa, who will now drive for the team until the end of the 2012 racing season," read a team statement.

Team director Stefano Domenicali had already indicated at the end of May that the 29-year-old would extend his contract.

"I am happy to be given the opportunity to drive for Ferrari for a further two seasons," said Massa, who has been with the team since 2001.

"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."

Domenicali added: "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 (Massa and Spain's Fernando Alonso) that is without equal in terms of talent, speed and its ability to work together for the good of the team."

Massa is seventh in the 2010 drivers' championship.