Massa has been with Ferrari ever since 2001, although his first 4 seasons in the series he spent driving for Peter Sauber's team or testing for the Scuderia. His big break came in 2006, when he was chosen to replace Rubens Barrichello alongside 7-time world champion Michael Schumacher in the Ferrari lineup.
Since his contract was due by the end of this year, plenty of speculation suggested that Massa's seat was already secured by Robert Kubica or Mark Webber. Earlier this week however, Red Bull announced they will keep the 33-year old Australian until the end of 2011, while Kubica publicly stated that he's happy with how things are progressing at Renault.
“I am happy to be given the opportunity to drive for Ferrari for a further two seasons. 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,” said Massa, who won 11 times for Ferrari in his 69-race career with the Prancing Horse.
That means Ferrari have assured their lineup until the end of 2012, as Fernando Alonso also has an ongoing contract until that date with the Italian team.
“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,” added Ferrari's team principal Stefano Domenicali.
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