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Aug.28 (GMM) Kimi Raikkonen on Friday admitted for the first time the possibility he will leave Ferrari at the end of the season.
And interestingly, although his potential departure has been linked with a full-time switch to rallying, the 29-year-old Finn said no matter what happens, he is staying in formula one.
"If for some reason I am not at Ferrari next season I know I'll have a seat at another team in the paddock," he is quoted as saying by Britain's Daily Telegraph. "It's not a problem. Other teams want me."
His comments coincide with increasing speculation that Ferrari has now signed a binding contract with Fernando Alonso and needs to part with either of its existing contracted drivers for 2010: Raikkonen, or the recovering Felipe Massa.
It is believed an amicable split between Ferrari and Raikkonen is likely, but it will cost the Italian team millions as his engagement next year would have earned him in excess of $45m.
"I'm too young to retire. I have a contract with Ferrari for next season. If I didn't want to race next season I would not have signed a contract," he added.
Alonso's move would obviously create a gap at Renault, but arguably the better vacant seat is at McLaren, who are openly considering parting with Heikki Kovalainen.
It may have been a Freudian slip, but the BBC quoted team boss Martin Whitmarsh as saying at Valencia last weekend: "Kimi's really raised his game and all weekend has done a great job and Heikki has always been a fantastic team player and a good asset in our team but his race pace hasn't been good enough."
Source:
Formula 1 complete - all access F1 - Raikkonen: "Other teams want me"
Apologies for the silly formatting.
Interesting, how things change quickly in F1. After winning 2007 WDC, Raikkonen had said Ferrari would be his last team in F1. And now this. But how Lewis - Kimi equation in McLaren would work out?
I for one definitely want to see Kimi for a few more years in F1. If that means going to McLaren, so be it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SilentEngine
(Post 1456340)
Interesting, how things change quickly in F1. After winning 2007 WDC, Raikkonen had said Ferrari would be his last team in F1. And now this.
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Good point but since Ferrari are the ones who are throwing him out, it makes sense there. I always loved it when Kimi drove for McLaren and I would be delighted to see him back in silver overalls.
GMM is trash, so I would wait for another source to report on this.
I doubt Mclaren will want Kimi back, especially in the Lewis scheme of things. Not to mention, they really weren't able to handle 2 top drivers in 2007 (Hami + Fonso).
Hasn't Kimi been speaking of a rally debut? His performance graph of late has been like a yoyo.
Is Sauber staying back as a team after BMW departs at the end of the season? If yes Peter Sauber just might take the man who he gave a break in F1. The question on Kimi's future will be decided at Monza. My line up for Ferrari in 2010 - Alonso and Massa.
Another twist. Would Brawn look to replace Rubens with Kimi?
Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO
(Post 1460265)
Hasn't Kimi been speaking of a rally debut? His performance graph of late has been like a yoyo.
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I belive he's made it clear that the future for him is in F1, not in WRC. That's what they were mentioning on the Star Sports commentary.
Since Massa's crash, I'm seeing Kimi performing consistently & ending on the podium despite third row starts. Pretty good I'd say.
and whats this talk of Fisi being recruited by Ferrari. i was like:eek:
Quote:
Originally Posted by leadf00t
(Post 1460479)
and whats this talk of Fisi being recruited by Ferrari. i was like:eek:
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Only for the remaining races since Badoer is intent on staying at the "other" end of the grid:D
Since Fisi doesn't have a contract for the next year, they were speculating on whether he could get out of FI & drive for Ferrari for the remaining races. Does anyone know if Ferrari actually told Fisi -
"Stay behind Kimi if you want to drive a Ferrari" :p
What a nice musical chair! lol:
Renault-Alonso -> Ferrari-Kimi -> Mclaren-Kovaleinen ->Renault!
Quote:
Originally Posted by nitrous
(Post 1460915)
What a nice musical chair! lol:
Renault-Alonso -> Ferrari-Kimi -> Mclaren-Kovaleinen ->Renault!
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Oh and don't forget that German bloke who wants to get out of retirement :D
F1 Times
I really really hope its true. I always thought the Kimi-Mclaren combo was one of the best ever.
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