This is F1Minute - Ferrari explain the reasons behind Massa’s contract renewal.

Ferrari already admitted that they announced their driver lineup for 2013 early, due to pressure from the media. It was a simple two paragraph statement of less than fifty words, announcing Massa’s one-year contract extension, and the continuation of the partnership between Felipe and Fernando Alonso.

Now, presumably irritated at yet more speculation and ruminations, the Scuderia have released another short statement, explaining why they did what they did.

It says: “The decision to extend the agreement with Massa was carefully weighed up and not just the obvious one. Nor was it inevitable because of the lack of alternatives, nor was it in any way guided by the wishes of his current teammate, because Ferrari alone chooses its drivers. Many knocked on the doors of Maranello, some were considered, but in the end, a logical conclusion prevailed.”

Some praise for Felipe’s loyalty, driving skills, and harmony within the team follows, with the final sentence reading: “The rest is all idle chatter.”