Raikkonen extends Ferrari deal

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The reigning world champion's current deal was due to expire at the end of next year, sparking intense debate as to whether he would retire or continue.

But a statement issued by Ferrari on Friday read: "Ferrari announces it has extended its agreement with Kimi Raikkonen to the end of the 2010 race season."

"Therefore, the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver line-up remains unchanged for the next two coming seasons," it continued.

Team-mate Felipe Massa already has a deal in place with the Maranello marque for the next two years.

Raikkonen's performances this season had added to the conjecture surrounding the Finn, who has failed to win any of his last nine grands prix.

The 28-year-old, who has won 17 of his 133 starts in Formula One, has struggled at times this season, particularly in qualifying in comparison to Massa.

The Brazilian has so far this season out-qualified Raikkonen by a ratio of nine to four, contributing to the latter currently trailing championship leader Lewis Hamilton by 19 points.

With Raikkonen now confirming his place at Ferrari for the next two years, the focus switches to Renault's Fernando Alonso.

It had been widely anticipated if Raikkonen had opted to step away from F1, two-time world champion Alonso would then be signed by Ferrari. But with that avenue now closed, Alonso's options are limited, although Honda are known to be keen admirers and eager to acquire his services.