Massa & Webber stay put

There is unlikely to be much movement at the top end of the Formula 1 driver market for 2011 after Mark Webber and Felipe Massa extended their current deals, filling in the last remaining blanks among the leading teams.

Webber had been widely tipped to be considering retirement, a move that looked set to create an opening for Kimi Raikkanen, who is currently driving a Red Bull-backed car in the World Rally Championship. Webber agreed to a single extra year at RBR, however, soon after his wins in Spain and Monaco propelled him into title contention.

Massa’s place was believed to be under threat from Robert Kubica, but the Brazilian has now been retained for two further years.

“We wanted to give a sign of stability because we believe in Felipe,” said Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali.”And we also want to give a sign to him after a difficult part of his life.”