Fernando Alonso says signing his contract extension with Ferrari was one of the easiest decisions he has had to make.
Alonso today confirmed putting pen to paper on a new deal that will keep him at Ferrari until the end of the 2016 season.
The 29-year-old is only 16 months into his stay with Ferrari, yet both the team and the double world champion felt the time was ripe for guaranteeing long-term stability.
As Alonso had previously suggested he wanted to see out his career with the Maranello marque, reiterating the comment today, it would appear his wish has been granted.
'It was very easy for us to conclude this deal,' said the Spaniard, with the announcement being made ahead of his home grand prix this weekend in Barcelona.
'We started talking maybe one or two weeks ago about the future, and both parties wanted to continue.
'I'm very happy with the team and they seem to be happy with me as well, so we said okay, that we would extend the contract.
'We arrived at 2016, and everything is more clear for everyone, to have stability. In the end it was all done very quickly. When both sides want to continue, it's the best thing. You find a compromise, a decision, very, very quick.'
Although he missed out on a third title last year after a bungled pit-stop strategy cost him dear in the final race in Abu Dhabi, Alonso is undeniably in love with the Prancing Horse.
'I don't imagine a better place to race for a driver,' added Alonso.
'Since arriving last year I've felt at home from day one, and now I have this possibility to race through to the end of 2016.
'That will be seven years with Ferrari, so I feel privileged and happy to do that.
'In 2017 maybe there will be another contract. We will see if I'm not too old and they are still happy with me.
'But this is good news for me and my career to extend the contract, and as I said last year, the intention is to finish my career with Ferrari.
'Nothing has really changed in my mind because for me it was clear that I would race here for many years.'
Despite last year's setback, and a troubled start to the current campaign, Ferrari are naturally convinced Alonso is the man to lead them over the years ahead.
President Luca di Montezemolo said: 'It is a great pleasure to have renewed our agreement with a driver who has always demonstrated a winning mentality, even in the most difficult circumstances.
'Fernando has all the required qualities, both technically and personally, to play a leading role in the history of Ferrari and I hope he will be enriching it with further wins very soon.'
The question now is just how many titles Alonso can claim over the coming years, a subject he is refusing to put a number on.
'Formula One is impossible to predict,' said Alonso.
'The intention is to keep enjoying racing, and I am in the best team possible to fight for world championships.
'Some other teams go up and down. They have good and bad years, but at Ferrari the worst season sees you finish third or second in the world championship.
'This is something Ferrari can offer to a driver, so for the next six years I will try to enjoy my racing. I am sure opportunity will come. Opportunity came last year and we missed it by only four points, so hopefully we can repeat the fight and next time we can take it.'
