Rosberg commits future to Mercedes

Abu dhabi, Nov 10, 2011 (AFP) - Nico Rosberg on Thursday confirmed he has committed his future to Mercedes after signing a contract that ties him to the team until 2013 - and keeps him alongside Michael Schumacher next year.

Rosberg, 26, German-born son of original 'flying Finn' and former world champion Keke Rosberg, has raced with seven-times champion compatriot Schumacher, 42, for the last two seasons.

Mounting speculation in recent weeks has linked Rosberg with a move to Ferrari as a replacement for lacklustre Brazilian driver Felipe Massa, but that appears to have been put on hold for at least another year.

In a statement on Thursday, Rosberg said: "I am very excited to have extended my contract with the Mercedes GP Petronas team.

"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.

"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 chief Ross Brawn said: "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."

Mercedes have not won a race since taking over the 2009 championship-winning Brawn team. They finished fourth in last year's constructors' championship and are set to finish in the same position this year.