Massa has been under contract with Ferrari since 2001 but he only began driving for the team in 2006. "This shows the team cares about me, about my work," Massa told a news conference in Brazil. "We had the deal all-but-signed two weeks ago, so I didn't have to worry about any rumours."

The public dissension in the McLaren camp regarding the relationship between Fernando Alonso and first-year driver Lewis Hamilton has led to speculation that Alonso would move to Ferrari next year.

In 34 Formula One races with Ferrari, Massa has won five times and secured eight pole positions.

Heading into the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend, the Brazilian is fourth in the driver standings with 86 points, 14 behind Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen and 21 behind leader Lewis Hamilton of McLaren-Mercedes.

"It was very nice to extend my contract with Ferrari for three more years," Massa told Brazil's Globo TV. "I'll keep working hard and continue fighting for victories and maybe championships."

AP