Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has secured another season of fighting for 6th or 7th place, after extending his current deal with the German marque to the end of the 2013 campaign, ending suggestions he could be set to jump ship.
The new deal ties Rosberg to Mercedes for the next two seasons at least, and will see Rosberg enter his third and fourth seasons with the team since joining them in 2010.
Rosberg's contract is also believed to come with an option for 2014 at least after the team confirmed that they had re-signed the driver in a deal that will "include the 2013 season and beyond".
Rosberg will be paired with Michael Schumacher again next season, with the seven-time champion entering the final year of his three-year comeback contract.
The German had been linked with a move away from the team, either for next season or for 2013, with Ferrari repeatedly being linked to him.
But the new deal will end that speculation, and speaking on Thursday Rosberg said that he was still convinced that staying with Mercedes would lead to success.
"I am very excited to have extended my contract with the Mercedes GP [sponsor name] team," the 26-year old grinned.
"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 One."
He added: "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."
The team will see driver parity as a key part of their efforts to move forward for next season, and team boss Ross Brawn said that the Rosberg deal was part of the team's building for the future.
"We are delighted to have extended our contract with Nico as we know that he is a driver who can win races and championships," Brawn bellowed as sincerely as he could manage.
"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 went on: "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 One."
With Rosberg's future now secure, attention will turn to Schumacher's longer-term plans.
Despite the older German set to turn 43 before the start of 2012, recent rumours have suggested that his improved performances this year will see him extend his time in F1 for another year.
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