Fernando Alonso set for Ferrari deal

• Spaniard will replace Kimi Raikkonen from next year• 'He's pulled off the deal of his life,' says close friendThe two-times world champion Fernando Alonso has signed a deal with Ferrari starting in 2010. It could be officially announced in the run-up to this Sunday's Japanese grand prix at Suzuka.The Spanish driver, who finished third in Sunday's Singapore grand prix to score the Renault team's first podium finish of the season, will partner Felipe Massa after agreeing a three-year contract worth in excess of $30m (£19m).Although Kimi Raikkonen has a contract with Ferrari for 2010, it is believed that the Finn will return to the McLaren-Mercedes squad next year to partner Lewis Hamilton, replacing his fellow Scandinavian Heikki Kovalainen who has been disappointing this season.Neither Ferrari nor McLaren would officially comment on the matter, but a close friend of Alonso said he had little doubt that the Ferrari deal was already done. "Fernando isn't always the most demonstrative of guys, but when he was walking down the paddock he almost looked as though he wanted to leap into the air and click his heels together," he said. "He looked like a guy who'd pulled off the deal of his life."Ferrari currently have three other potential drivers they could call on in the event of Massa not being fully race fit by the start of next season, although the present signs are that the Brazilian driver is well down the road to recovery from head injuries sustained in practice for August's Hungarian grand prix.The other drivers on their books include Giancarlo Fisichella, Luca Badoer, Marc Gené and potentially the seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher, although sources close to the Italian team have ruled out the prospect of the 40-year old making a full-time return to the Formula One field.Meanwhile, Jenson Button will be going to Suzuka knowing that a race win on this challenging high-speed track near Nagoya could set him up to clinch the world championship in Brazil a fortnight later. Button finished fifth at Singapore, crossing the line just ahead of his team-mate Rubens Barrichello, his only serious remaining rival for the title with three races of the season left to run.Next year Button will probably not have to worry about Barrichello driving a similar car as the veteran Brazilian is likely to be replaced by Nico Rosberg, a move which will further strengthen the ties between the Brawn team and their engine suppliers Mercedes-Benz who are anxious to have a German driver in the team.FerrariFormula OneRenaultMotor sportAlan Henryguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Ferrari ready to unveil Alonso

As Ferrari plan to announce the signing of Fernando Alonso for 2010 very soon, their injured driver Felipe Massa is preparing to race again in a Brazilian karting event amid rumours that he might participate in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 1 November.

Ferrari get their man as Alonso finally joins Massa

Formula One's most open "secret" finally became common knowledge yesterday when Ferrari confirmed that Fernando Alonso is to take Kimi Raikkonen's place for the next three years.

Alonso signs Ferrari deal

• Kimi Raikkonen set to return to McLaren• Robert Kubica in position to replace Alonso at RenaultFormula One's worst-kept secret has finally been confirmed, with Fernando Alonso joining Ferrari from next year.The double world champion has signed a three-year deal and will partner Felipe Massa at the team, with Giancarlo Fisichella taking up the role of test and reserve driver.Kimi Raikkonen, who has spent the past three years at Ferrari, is expected to return to McLaren, with BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica moving to Renault to fill the void created by Alonso's exit.It had long been speculated Alonso would sign for Ferrari, going as far back as the midway point of last year, with rumours gathering steam as this season progressed. Now the Spaniard will be hoping he has a genuine shot at becoming a three-time champion after winning his two titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006.Ferrari's team head Stefano Domenicali is delighted to have Alonso finally on board, but also paid tribute to Raikkonen. The Finn won the drivers' title in 2007, edging out Lewis Hamilton, as well as helping the team win the constructors' crown that year and again last season."We are very proud to welcome to our team another winning driver, who has demonstrated his amazing talent by winning two world championships in his career to date," said Domenicali. "Of course, we wish to thank Kimi for everything he has done during his time with Ferrari."In his first year with us he managed to win the drivers' title, thus making his contribution to Ferrari's history, and he played a vital role in our taking of the constructors' title in 2007 and 2008."Even during a difficult season like this one, he has demonstrated his great talent, with several good results, including a great win in Spa. We are sure we can share more good times together in the final three races of this season."FerrariMcLarenRenaultFormula OneMotor sportguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Alonso ready to end career at Ferrari

Newly-announced Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso said Thursday that he wants to end his career with the famous Italian team and emulate Michael Schumacher's achievements.

Alonso signs three-year Ferrari deal

Today Ferrari has announced a three-year deal starting next season with 2005 and 2006 World Champion Fernando Alonso...