Fernando Alonso to race in US despite back injury

Maranello: Fernando Alonso will race for Ferrari in this weekend's United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, despite a back injury.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo says on the team's website that he is "pleased to see that Fernando is so keen to give it his all, even when he's not at his best. ... It shows how attached he is to us."

Alonso suffered a compression injury to his back after hitting the kerb in Abu Dhabi nine days ago.

Ferrari is counting on Alonso to help the team fight for second place behind Red Bull in the constructors' standings.

Williams announced Monday that it has signed Felipe Massa, Ferrari's second driver, for next season and beyond. Kimi Raikkonen is replacing Massa at Ferrari next year.