Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, Alonso reach three-year agreement
Maranello, Italy (Sports Network) - Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro announced Wednesday a three-year racing agreement with driver Fernando Alonso beginning in 2010.
Alonso replaces Kimi Raikkonen, who is leaving at the end of this season, at which time it's expected he will return to McLaren, where he raced from 2002-2006.
Raikkonen had been under contract with Scuderia through 2010, but the two sides agreed to terminate the final year with the addition of Alonso.
"With common consent, we have agreed to terminate the contract binding me to Ferrari to the end of 2010, one year ahead of schedule," said Raikkonen. "I am very sad to be leaving a team with which I have spent three fantastic years, during which time I won plenty of races. Together, we have won 50 percent of the world titles in that period and I managed to take the Drivers' title in 2007, thus achieving the target I had set myself at the start of my career. I have always felt at home with everyone here and I will have many happy memories of my time with the team." The agreement sets up Scuderia's lineup for next season with Alonso alongside Felipe Massa and reserve rider Giancarlo Fisichella.
"We are very proud to welcome to our team another winning driver, who has demonstrated his amazing talent by winning two World Championships in his career to date," said team principal Stefano Domenicali of Alonso.
Alonso is a two-time world champion, having captured the Drivers' title in 2005 and 2006 with Renault, while Raikkonen won the 2007 title and helped Scuderia earn two straight Constructor's titles from 2007-08.
"We wish to thank Kimi for everything he has done during his time with Ferrari," Domenicali said. "In his first year with us, he managed to win the Drivers' title, thus making his contribution to Ferrari's history and he played a vital role in our taking of the Constructors' title in 2007 and 2008. Even during a difficult season like this one, he has demonstrated his great talent, with several good results, including a great win in Spa and we are sure that we can share more good times together in the final three races of this season."
09/30 16:28:16 ET
