World championship leader Nico Rosberg has signed a long-term deal with Mercedes, the German Formula One team confirmed on Wednesday.
Rosberg, who joined Mercedes in 2010, signed a “multi-year contract extension” on Monday, according to the team. Earlier on Wednesday Germany’s Bild newspaper reported the deal to be worth €55 million ($74.6 million) until 2017.
“I am very proud to drive the Formula One Silver Arrow of the modern era,” the 29-year-old Rosberg said in a statement.
“We have an awesome team and I am confident that we have the right people in place at every level. I’m looking forward to the next years together, when we will keep pushing to win even more races -- and hopefully championships,” he added.
Rosberg has six races victories with Mercedes and though yet to win a world title, he leads this season’s championship standings by four points from British team-mate Lewis Hamilton ahead of Sunday’s German Grand Prix at Hockenheim.
“With his performances in 2014, Nico has demonstrated to the outside world what we knew already in the team: that he is one of the very top drivers in Formula One,” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said.
“This new contract brings us important stability and continuity for the future and I am delighted to be able to make the announcement in time for the home race of Mercedes-Benz and Nico in Hockenheim.”
