Oct.19 (GMM) Ferrari has defended its decision to keep Felipe Massa at the famous team beyond 2012.

Earlier this year, it seemed certain the Maranello outfit would replace the struggling Brazilian for 2013, with Nico Hulkenberg, Paul di Resta and Sergio Perez among the touted candidates.

But Massa, 31, has enjoyed a surge of form in recent grands prix, securing at least an eighth consecutive season at Ferrari next year.

The decision has been criticised in some quarters.

But a news item at Ferrari's official website insists Massa was not chosen because of a "lack of alternatives", or because Fernando Alonso wanted his current teammate to stay.

"Ferrari alone chooses its drivers," the report reads.

"Many knocked on the doors of Maranello, some were considered, but in the end ... there is no one better than Felipe to deliver the speed, talent and capacity to work for the good of the team," it added.

Ferrari also insisted the fact "harmony reigns within the team" at present was another factor.

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