ANKARA
Italian Formula 1 team Ferrari announced the end of their relationship with Spanish driver Fernando Alonso, and agree German driver Sebastian Vettel on Thursday, according to a statement made on the team's website.
Alonso, who placed in races 44 times including 11 wins for Scuderia Ferrari for 5 years -- will race for Ferrari for the last time in the last race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.
After the departure of Alonso, Red Bull-Renault's German driver Vettel, who led his team to win the title four years in a row, will be racing alongside Finnish Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari in the 2015 season.
Scuderia Ferrari thanked to Alonso for his contribution and efforts both personal and professional. The team welcomed their new driver Vettel.
"I leave Scuderia Ferrari after five years, during which I reached my very best level professionally, tackling major challenges that pushed me to find new limits. I also proved to be a true team player, putting the interests of the Scuderia before my own. When I had to take important decisions about my future, I did so with Ferrari in my heart, driven by my love for the team. I am very proud of what we have achieved together" said Alonso.
"Now I look to the future with great enthusiasm, knowing that part of my heart will always belong to the Prancing Horse. I want to thank each and everyone of the team for the trust they showed in me," the 33-year-old Spanish driver added.
Ferrari's new arrival Vettel said: "The next stage of my Formula 1 career will be spent with Scuderia Ferrari and for me that means the dream of a lifetime has come true. When I was a kid, Michael Schumacher in the red car was my greatest idol and now it’s an incredible honour to finally get the chance to drive a Ferrari."
In October, Sebastian Vettel declared that he was going to leave Red Bull-Renault at the end of this year.
Having been twice world champion with French team Renault, 33-year-old Spaniard Alonso joined Ferrari in 2010 and ranked as runner-up three times (2010, 2012 and 2013) of the past four years in drivers' standings.
Italian F1 Team Ferrari have missed winning the title in World Constructors since 2008, and in the Drivers' classification since 2007.
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