Alonso pleased Massa is being retained

Massa had his contract extended earlier this week and it means Ferrari will retain the same driver line-up again in 2011 - something Alonso thinks is very important.

"I think it is good news for us, good news for the team," said Alonso, who signed a three-year deal with Ferrari last season, with an option to remain until 2013.

"Felipe has been many years in Ferrari now, he knows the team very well. I arrived new five months ago in the team, so to change driver again next year would provide some difficulties for the team.

"It is much better to have this continuity and I think Felipe and me, we are working together really well. We have been doing the maximum for the Ferrari team and this pays off for Felipe now."

The decision by Ferrari to retain Massa means that the leading Formula 1 teams are all likely to keep their same drivers for 2011.