Nico Rosberg signs fresh deal with Mercedes GP for 2013 and beyond

The German, who originally joined the outfit at the start of last year, has been linked with a future move to Ferrari over recent months but has elected to remain at his current employers for now.

In a statement issued by his team on Thursday, it was not made clear how long his contract was, but said it would 'include the 2013 season and beyond' - which is likely to mean that he has options for the 2014 campaign.

Rosberg said: "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.

"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."

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.

"He has an excellent work ethic and, together with Michael, this gives us a driver pairing who consistently push the team to improve and progress. As we continue to strengthen our team for the future, we look forward to providing Nico with a car which will enable him to compete right at the front of the field and achieve his deserved first win in Formula 1."

Rosberg's new deal means that Mercedes GP will race with an unchanged driver line-up next year, as Michael Schumacher already has a firm contact for 2012.

There has been mounting speculation that Schumacher's ever-improving form since his return to F1, allied to progress being made at Mercedes GP, will result in the seven-time world champion also extending his contract for another year until the end of 2013.