Following the long awaited official confirmation of his move to Ferrari for 2010, Fernando Alonso claims he is proud to join the Maranello outfit, revealing the originally he wasn't intending to join the team until 2011.

"I'm very happy and very proud to become a Ferrari driver," he told the Italian team's official website. "Driving a single-seater from the Prancing Horse is everybody's dream in this sport and today I have the opportunity to make this dream come true.

"Above all I want to thank Luca di Montezemolo, who really wanted this 3-year contract," he continued. "We already had an agreement this summer starting in 2011, but then, in the last days, the picture changed and we decided to anticipate my arrival in Maranello by one year.

"The years at Renault were fantastic:," he added, "together we won four World Titles (two Drivers' and as many Constructors' Championships) until this day, 21 Grands Prix. I wish the team all the best and let's hope we gain some good results in the last races this year.

"After this season I will put all my effort into the next season. I'm sure that, together with Felipe, we'll offer Ferrari and the fans from all over the world some great satisfaction. I can't wait to start working with my new team."