05-08-2005, 09:37 PM
Ferrari has confirmed that Sauber driver Felipe Massa will join Michael Schumacher in its 2006 line-up and has announced that Rubens Barrichello will leave the team at the end of the year.
Following intense speculation over the weekend, Ferrari has taken up an option on Massa that dates back to 2001.
"I am very happy and proud to be racing with Ferrari in 2006," Massa told his official website.
"I feel ready for this new challenge, which is the best opportunity of my career.
"I am aware of the responsibility it places on me and I cannot wait to be part of a team like Ferrari, alongside the best driver in the world, Michael Schumacher."
The Brazilian driver, currently in his third season with Sauber, took a year out from racing in 2003 to fulfil the role of test and reserve driver for Ferrari.
He has long been linked with a return to the Scuderia and is managed by sporting director Jean Todt's son, Nicolas.
"I wish to thank Peter Sauber for having had faith in me over these past three years. I will do my very best in the final six races of the season to get the best possible results for his team.
"Maranello has believed in me since 2001, when I had yet to make my Formula 1 debut.
"Now, I am in my third season as a Sauber driver and I can also count on a year's experience as a Ferrari test driver, an experience which helped me to grow a great deal."
Following intense speculation over the weekend, Ferrari has taken up an option on Massa that dates back to 2001.
"I am very happy and proud to be racing with Ferrari in 2006," Massa told his official website.
"I feel ready for this new challenge, which is the best opportunity of my career.
"I am aware of the responsibility it places on me and I cannot wait to be part of a team like Ferrari, alongside the best driver in the world, Michael Schumacher."
The Brazilian driver, currently in his third season with Sauber, took a year out from racing in 2003 to fulfil the role of test and reserve driver for Ferrari.
He has long been linked with a return to the Scuderia and is managed by sporting director Jean Todt's son, Nicolas.
"I wish to thank Peter Sauber for having had faith in me over these past three years. I will do my very best in the final six races of the season to get the best possible results for his team.
"Maranello has believed in me since 2001, when I had yet to make my Formula 1 debut.
"Now, I am in my third season as a Sauber driver and I can also count on a year's experience as a Ferrari test driver, an experience which helped me to grow a great deal."
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