Ferrari said the Spaniard had signed a three-year contract and that he would partner Brazilian Felipe Massa.

Ferrari have announced that double world champion Fernando Alonso will join them for 2010 from Renault, with Kimi Raikkonen making way.

“Driving a single-seater for the Prancing Horse is everybody’s dream in F1, and now I have the chance to make this dream come true,” said Alonso.

The 28-year-old said the move had been brought forward by a year.

Alonso’s switch to Ferrari had been the worst-kept secret in F1, and the announcement is likely to trigger a string of driver moves.

“I’m very happy and very proud to become a Ferrari driver,” said Alonso.