F1: Rosberg Agrees To Long-Term Mercedes Deal

Formula 1

F1: Rosberg Agrees To Long-Term Mercedes Deal

Nico Rosberg will return to Mercedes for 2013 and beyond...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted November 10, 2011 Abu Dhabi (ARE)

Nico Rosberg will be back at Mercedes next season. (Photo: Getty Images)

Nico Rosberg has extended his Mercedes GP contract with a multi-year deal, following the trend set by Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button, all of whom are set for long stays with their respective teams.

The news puts an end to any speculation about the German heading to Ferrari as a replacement for Felipe Massa any time soon.

Rosberg was already under contract for 2012. The team has not put a date on the extended deal, saying only that it now includes 2013 and beyond.

It has been rumored that Michael Schumacher will also add 2013 to his contract, but there has been no confirmation as of yet.

“To win in a Silver Arrow will be one of the highlights of my life so far, and I greatly enjoy helping to lead our team in our quest to become the best in Formula One," Rosberg said. “I have every confidence that the team will provide me with a winning car, and that we will be able to contribute to the fantastic racing heritage of the Silver Arrows. I look forward to great times in the years ahead with the Mercedes-Benz family.”

Team boss Ross Brawn added: “We are delighted to have extended our contract with Nico as we know that he is a driver who can win races and championships. Nico has performed exceptionally well for our Silver Arrows team over the past two seasons, achieving results at the very limit of the technical capabilities of our current car.

“He has an excellent work ethic and, together with Michael, this gives us a driver pairing who consistently push the team to improve and progress. As we continue to strengthen our team for the future, we look forward to providing Nico with a car which will enable him to compete right at the front of the field and achieve his deserved first win in Formula One.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 26th season as a racing journalist in 2010. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Adam Cooper

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR

F1: Paddy Lowe Finally Confirmed At Mercedes
Paddy Lowe will join the team as Executive Director (Technical) Monday…
F1: We Need To Improve Qualifying, Says Massa
Felipe Massa says Ferrari is still not where it wants to be...
F1: Grosjean Pumped About Monaco Prospects
Romain Grosjean wrecked on the first lap of the 2012 Monaco GP...…