Nico Rosberg will remain with the Mercedes GP team until at least 2013 after agreeing to extend his contract with the outfit.
The 26-year-old joined the team for their inaugural season in 2010 after the rebranding of the Brawn GP team. Despite being linked to a move to Ferrari to replace Felipe Massa, he has elected to stay with the Anglo-German team.
It isn’t clear exactly how long the deal lasts, but a statement confirmed that it included the 2013 season ‘and beyond’, likely meaning the German has options for 2014.
Rosberg says the deal is motivated by the fact he believes the team will be able to provide him a winning car in the near future.
“I am very excited to have extended my contract with the Mercedes GP Petronas team,” he said. “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 1.
“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 principal 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 1.”
Rosberg’s teammate, Michael Schumacher, has also reportedly agreed, in principal, to a new deal taking him through to at least 2013 – though the team are yet to confirm this.
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