Raikkonen replaces Massa at Ferrari

Ferrari have snapped up former driver Kimi Raikkonen as Felipe Massa's replacement from the start of next season.

The 2007 world champion will form one half of a tantalising driver line-up alongside two-time champion Fernando Alonso, having signed a two-year deal with the Italian team.

A Ferrari statement said: "Scuderia Ferrari announces that it has reached an agreement with Kimi Raikkonen.

"The Finn will join alongside Fernando Alonso in the driver line-up for the next two seasons"

The 33-year-old Finn won his only F1 title with Ferrari before leaving racing two years later to try out rally driving.

Raikkonen impressed since returning with Lotus in 2012 and finished third last season with one win and seven podiums.

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali welcomed Raikkonen's return, who remains the only man other than Michael Schumacher to win the drivers' title for the team since 1979.

He said: "I am delighted to welcome back to Kimi in the Scuderia with whom he was crowned world champion."

Raikkonen will take Massa's place, who confirmed his departure but did not say where he would be driving next season.

There are rumours the Brazilian could end up swapping teams with Raikkonen and join Lotus who now have a spot available.

And Domenicali added: "I want to thank Felipe with all my heart, on behalf of our fans around the world, for the extraordinary work he has done for the team in all these years.

"Felipe has always behaved like a team man, we have experienced many dramatic and beautiful moments that have created a truly unique human and professional relationship.

"He will always be part of our family. Now we have to stay focused with all our strength on the last seven races of this championship.

"We know we can count on, as always, his contribution to achieve our goals."