Di Montezemolo confirms Massa for 2008 and beyond

Ferrari president Luca de Montezemolo stated that he himself chose to extend Felipe Massa’s contract until the end of 2010.

The announcement of Massa’s contract extension was met with surprise as some rumors had suggested that Fernando Alonso would join Ferrari next season, replacing Massa.

Earlier in the week, Di Montezemolo praised Alonso, but during the FIAT board meeting in Maranello, he insisted that he was entirely satisfied with his current driver and that the signing of Massa occurred under the responsibility of the head of the Scuderia.

« With all the respect I have for the other drivers, I will not replace my drivers Kimi Räikkönen and Felipe Massa with others. They are the best in the world, » stated Di Montezemolo to the Gazzetta dello Sport.

« Räikkönen joined the team, won the first race, and then won the championship. I don’t see what more I could have dreamed of. »

« Felipe Massa, despite his youth, has achieved a great number of pole positions. He has been solid and loyal, and it’s not by chance that I personally decided to renew his contract until 2010, » he continued.

« Räikkönen is unique, loyal, and very dedicated to his work. I will offer him a bonus, not money which is already agreed upon in his contract, but a gift, » concluded the Ferrari boss.

The trust Ferrari places in Massa was strengthened in Brazil, after he took second place, which could ensure Räikkönen the drivers’ title. The Brazilian led most of the race as the leader before ending up behind his teammate after the last pit stop.