Vettel wants to emulate Schumacher at Ferrari
MILAN - Agence France-Presse
Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso of Spain answers to reporters during a news conference at the Yas Marina racetrack in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014. AP Photo
Sebastian Vettel admitted he hopes to emulate his "greatest idol" and fellow German Michael Schumacher after being announced as a Ferrari driver for next season on Nov. 20.Ferrari confirmed that the four-time world champion will join up with Kimi Raikkonen at the Italian Formula One giants on a three-year deal from 2015.
A statement by Ferrari said: "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.
"The driver line-up next season will consist of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel."
The announcement was made minutes after Spaniard Fernando Alonso's departure from Ferrari after a five-year spell was confirmed.
Ferrari said Vettel, currently racing with Red Bull, will sign a three-year deal with the Italian giants, who have not won a world drivers' title since 2007 when Raikkonen triumphed during his previous spell with the team.
Vettel, who has won four consecutive world titles in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 said he was delighted to be given the chance to emulate seven-time champion and compatriot Schumacher.
"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."
Schumacher, 45, who raced for Ferrari between 1996 and 2006, is currently receiving treatment at his home in Gland, Switzerland, after suffering severe brain injuries in a skiing accident in the French Alps last December.
Ferrari confirm Alonso departure
MILAN - Agence France-Presse
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso's five-year spell with Ferrari will be over at the end of the season after the Italian 'Scuderia' confirmed the Spaniard's departure on Thursday.
In a statement that paid tribute to Alonso's contribution to the Formula One giants, Ferrari ended months of speculation regarding Alonso, who has been tipped to return to the McLaren team.
"Scuderia Ferrari and Fernando Alonso announce that, by common consent, they have ended their relationship," said a statement.
"Fernando Alonso leaves the team at the end of this season, after a five year period which, with one race remaining, saw him score 1186 points, 44 podiums and 11 wins.
"Everyone at Scuderia Ferrari thanks Fernando for his great contribution on both a personal and professional level."
Alonso, who won two world titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, ultimately failed to bring a world drivers' title to Ferrari having come runner-up three times for the team whose logo is the Prancing Horse.
The 33-year-old Spaniard has recently been tipped to return to the McLaren team, where he spent a turbulent season in 2007.
But he admitted leaving Ferrari was not an easy decision to make.