Rosberg signs new deal at Mercedes

Nico Rosberg has signed a new deal with the Mercedes Grand Prix team.

The move confirms that the Mercedes line-up will remain unchanged going into the 2012 season with Michael Schumacher already commited to at least one more season with the team.

The 26-year-old German driver joined the team in 2010, when the Silver Arrows took over the team from the 2009 championship winning Brawn GP team.

An impressive couple of seasons alongside former seven-time F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher has seen Rosberg consistenly come out on top over his team-mate.

Rumours and speculation in the paddock had previously linked Rosberg with a potential move to Ferrari to replace Felipe Massa after the 2012 Formula One season, but his new deal brings that speculation to an end.

The exact length of the deal has not been confirmed, but a Mercedes GP statement did confirm that the extended contract does 'include the 2013 season and beyond'.

'I am very excited to have extended my contract with the Mercedes GP Petronas team. To win in a Silver Arrow will be one of the highlights of my life so far, and I greatly enjoy helping to lead our team in our quest to become the best in Formula 1.' Rosberg told mercedes-gp.com.

'I have every confidence that the team will provide me with a winning car, and that we will be able to contribute to the fantastic racing heritage of the Silver Arrows. I look forward to great times in the years ahead with the Mercedes-Benz family.'

Mercedes GP Team principal Ross Brawn added: 'We are delighted to have extended our contract with Nico as we know that he is a driver who can win races and championships. Nico has performed exceptionally well for our Silver Arrows team over the past two seasons, achieving results at the very limit of the technical capabilities of our current car.'