(formula1.ferrari.com)
Formula One's worst kept open secret was made official on Thursday as the Ferrari Formula One team officially confirmed that after five years with the Italian team Fernando Alonso will leave at the end of the year with quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel joining Kimi Raikkonen from next season.
The news was officially confirmed in the Abu Dhabi paddock on Thursday as the teams prepare for the final race of the 2014 Formula One season. In a statement Ferrari said:
'Scuderia Ferrari has decided to put its faith in the youngest multiple champion in the history of Formula 1” – commented Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal, Marco Mattiacci. “In Formula 1 terms,
Sebastian Vettel is a unique combination of youthfulness and experience and he brings with him that sense of team spirit which will prove invaluable when, together with Kimi, they tackle the challenges awaiting us, as we aim to be front runners again as soon as possible. With Sebastian, we all share a thirst for victory as well as enthusiasm, a strong work ethic and tenacity; key elements for all the Scuderia members to write together a new winning chapter in the history of Ferrari.
Sebastian Vettel begin his Formula One career with BMW Sauber in 2007 when he filled in for the injured Robert Kubica at the United States Grand Prix in 2007 before moving to the Red Bull junior team Toro Rosso winning his first ever Grand Prix at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
Vettel made the move up to the senior Red Bull Racing team in 2009 to partner Mark Webber replacing David Coulthard. Vettel took his first victory for Red Bull at the 2009 Chinese Grand Prix leading home team mate Mark Webber. The German went o to dominate Formula One taking his first of four back to back world championships from 2010-2013.
Prior to this seasons Japanese Grand Prix the German confirmed he would be leaving Infiniti Red Bull Racing and speaking following the announcement the German said:
'The next stage of my Formula 1 career will be spent with Scuderia Ferrari and for me that means the dream of a lifetime has come true“ When I was a kid, Michael Schumacher in the red car was my greatest idol and now it’s an incredible honour to finally get the chance to drive a Ferrari. I already got a small taste of what the Ferrari spirit means, when I took my first win at Monza in 2008, with an engine from the Prancing Horse built in Maranello.
The Scuderia has a great tradition in this sport and I am extremely motivated to help the team get back to the top. I will put my heart and soul into making it happen.'
The German has signed a three year contract with Maranello based outfit.
The German has signed a three year contract with Maranello based outfit.
© Ben Johnston 2014
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