Stefano Domenicali confident Felipe Massa will repay Ferrari’s faith

Stefano Domenicali backed Felipe Massa to repay Ferrari’s faith in him next year after the Brazilian signed a one-year contract extension to keep him at the Italian team until 2013.

The Brazilian’s future had been the subject of intense speculation following a poor start to the season in which he scored just 11 points from the opening eight races.

But Massa’s improved form in recent months appeared to alleviate the pressure on the 31-year-old and he penned a fresh deal on Tuesday to secure his seat for next season.

“We are pleased to have extended our relationship with Felipe for a further year,” said 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.”

After signing his new deal, Massa said: “I am very happy to have reached this agreement.

“Ferrari is my racing family and throughout my entire time in Formula 1, I have always driven cars powered by engines built in Maranello.”

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