Ferrari confirm Alonso exit and Vettel arrival

SebastianVettelFernandoAlonso

A parting of the ways between Ferrari and Alonso had been forecast for some time, while Vettel had been widely expected to sign for the Italian team after announcing last month that he would leave Red Bull.

Both moves were confirmed on Thursday ahead of this weekend's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Vettel signing a three-year deal and Alonso now likely to continue his Formula One career with McLaren, who he previously raced for in 2007.

Having announced Alonso's exit "by common consent", Ferrari subsequently welcomed Vettel to their ranks as a team-mate for Kimi Raikkonen.

"Scuderia Ferrari announces that it has reached an agreement of three years duration with Sebastian Vettel, who will drive for the team as from the 2015 season," read a statement.

"The driver line-up next season will consist of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel."

Vettel, world champion for four straight seasons between 2010 and 2013, expressed his delight at following in the footsteps of fellow German Michael Schumacher, who claimed five of his seven world titles with Ferrari.

"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," said Vettel.

"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."

Alonso has claimed 11 race wins in five years with Ferrari and three second-place finishes in the drivers' championship.

"It was a difficult decision to take, but a carefully considered one and from start to finish, my love for Ferrari was a prime consideration," said Alonso.

"I have always been lucky enough to make my own decisions about my future and I have that possibility now too.

"I must thank the team for that, as it understood my position. I leave Scuderia Ferrari after five years, during which I reached my very best level professionally, tackling major challenges that pushed me to find new limits. I also proved to be a true team-player, putting the interests of the Scuderia before my own.

"When I had to take important decisions about my future, I did so with Ferrari in my heart, driven by my love for the team. I am very proud of what we have achieved together.

"Without a shadow of a doubt, these five years produced some of the best moments of my career and I also feel that, in leaving the team, it is family rather than friends I am leaving behind. Now I look to the future."

Alonso has secured 157 of Ferrari's 210 points in 2014 and sits fifth in the drivers' championship, two points behind Vettel.

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