Ferrari confirm Alonso deal

Formula One's worst-kept secret has finally been confirmed, with Fernando Alonso joining Ferrari from next year.

The double world champion has signed a three-year deal and will partner Felipe Massa at the Scuderia, with Giancarlo Fisichella taking up the role of test and reserve driver.

Kimi Raikkonen, who has spent the last three years at Ferrari, is expected to return to McLaren, with BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica moving to Renault to fill the void created by Alonso's exit.

It has long been speculated Alonso would sign for Ferrari, going as far back as the midway point of last year, with rumours gathering steam as this season progressed.

Now the Spaniard will be hoping he has a genuine shot at becoming a three-time champion after winning his two titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006.

Team boss Stefano Domenicali is naturally delighted to have Alonso finally on board, but also paid tribute to Raikkonen.

The Finn won the drivers' title in 2007, edging out Lewis Hamilton, as well as helping the team win the constructors' crown that year and again last season.

"We are very proud to welcome to our team another winning driver, who has demonstrated his amazing talent by winning two world championships in his career to date," said Domenicali.

"Of course, we wish to thank Kimi for everything he has done during his time with Ferrari.

"In his first year with us he managed to win the drivers' title, thus making his contribution to Ferrari's history, and he played a vital role in our taking of the constructors' title in 2007 and 2008."