Silly season is about to properly kick off this coming weekend at the Japanese GP, where all signs point to Ferrari announcing Fernando Alonso as their driver for next year.
Neither the Scuderia nor Alonso’s current team Renault are denying the move any more – as expertly illustrated in this here picture, er… – but no one’s going to confirm it until the finer points of releasing Kimi Raikkonen from his current Ferrari contract are sorted out.
Like we mentioned a few weeks back – when a few of you were sceptical about the switch – Alonso’s move has been assumed for a few months and, along with Felipe Massa, will make for a strong pairing.
Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali admitted in Singapore last night that the Scuderia ‘don’t want to wait too long’ to announce their driver line-up – if Kimi was staying, they would have announced it already.
Renault’s current chief Jean-Francois Caubet also told Autosport at the Singapore GP that he thinks ‘Fernando will miss Renault, and Renault will miss Fernando.’
So that’s pretty much confirmed it, then.
Kimi’s reportedly going to make a move back to McLaren, where he’ll join Lewis Hamilton for another formidable pairing.
And although Ross has said that his Brawn GP squad aren’t making any announcements until the season’s done with – you can imagine he wouldn’t be too keen in demotivating the outgoing Rubens Barrichello while he’s challenging for the WDC title – Williams’ Nico Rosberg is expected to team up with Jenson Button at Brawn.
Current BMW driver Robert Kubica is thought to be heading over to Renault as their number one, but I don’t know where either Rubens or McLaren’s other driver Heikki Kovalainen will end up.
What do you think?
UPDATE: BBC Sport are carrying a story with details of Alonso’s Ferrari contract – salary in the region of 19-25 million euros (£17.3m-£22.8m) running to the end of 2011, with an option on a further three more years.
Another UPDATE: Ferrari have just confirmed Fernando Alonso will be driving for them from 2010, and that Kimi Raikkonen is leaving the team. Read all about it on BBC Sport.
If rubens is staying in the sport at all after this season he will go to one of the new teams (I’ll go with lotus gp) and heikki will probably go to BMW.
Rubens to Williams, Kovalainen to Force India or rallying.
Rubens and Heikki for Lotus…?
I think Ferrari would have kept Kimi to the end of his contract, its just their new Spanish sponsor, Santander, wich has made Scuderia to kick him out, and take Alonso insted.
rubens should retire!! heikki to bmw
I agree with Brabazon – I think they’ll go to one of the new teams. I’d love to see raikonnen back at McLaren, i think he and Lewis as teammates will do them both a lot of good as they’re both extremely competitive.
Oh, and TG, next time use a better quality picture for Alonso’s face when you’re going to photoshop him onto Raikonnen. It looks er, photoshopped.
Alonso would absolutely SPANK massa in the same car. will look forward to hearing the excuses from the massa fans next year again.
was skeptical about the whole Raikkonen-McLaren thing, thought Legard was talking the usual drivel, but there’s some base to it, obviously.
Would prefer Nico alongside Hamilton though; at least he looks like he’s bothered.
Hina there isn’t going to be a BMW next year. There will still be Sauber but I bet they’ll be running Merc engines. Rubens would be a perfect fit for Lotus. I hope he catches and beats out Button to finish this season. If so then he would/should retire.
Isn’t it kind of weird? Everytime Kimi chooses a team, Un-Fairnando Alonso wants to be in that team a year or two later?
Isn’t it kind of weird? That Alonso is getting the drive just because of one of the biggest banks in the world. Aren’t those guys called paydriver?
Isn’t it great that they are paying kimi to leave (salary $51m), AND about half of his McM salary?
I think Rosberg is gonna join Button at Brawn, Kubica and Kovalainen go to Renault. ALl other Renault drivers still lack too much…
How will McL treat Kimi? When Alonso was with Hamilton, he didn’t get much help. McL will keep developing the car for Hamilton and Kimi must settle becasue he took a lot of money to accept the switch.
I’m a bit disapointed, but, I can’t blame him, if Ferrari wanted to get rid of him, it’s better to leave.
Either Rosberg or Kubica as teamate will be tough for Button.
What about Rubens and Rosberg making a straight swap. If Williams seriously want to be up at the top they will need someone in the car as wise as Rubens. With Patrick and Sam Micheal there coupled with a driver like Rubens, who knows how good they will be.
this is what i confidently predict the grid will be! or maybe not lol..
mclaren – hamilton raikonnen
ferrari – alonso massa
brawn – button rosberg
renault – kubica grosjean (or kovalainen, barricello now flavio briatore has left)
red bull – vettel webber
toro rosso – buemi alguersuari
williams – kovalainen hulkenberg
sauber – heidfeld barricello?
toyota – glock trulli (maybe kovalainen)
force india – sutil luizzi (still wide open i think)
manor grand prix – davidson, paffett, di resta, so many good english guys to choose from!
campos f1 – de la rosa, god knows who else!
USF1 – summerton villeneuve?
lotus – probably alex yoong considering the malaysian sponsorship, not sure about other driver
with 8 extra seats in f1 hopefully next year they will be lots of drivers making a debut, or comeback. will be brilliant!
NO! Really don’t want Alonso in a Ferrari! Will have to burn my Ferrari flags if he goes!
But I’d love to see Kimi and Lewis in the same team, that’s near as unbeatable.
How about Senna for Lotus, Bruno not Ayrton obviously, but having Senna in a Lotus still sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
I hope Rubens doesn’t retire, he’s one of the best out there
Senna in a Lotus still sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
Nope.
eels, why not? Senna in a Lotus, come on!
Senna in a McLaren sounds much better, maybe for the future though. I would say Ruby in a Williams or retired for next season, as for Heikki who knows? Maybe a new team, possibly whatever BMW transform into, he’s good enough to give a good team start.
Also hope a few more Brits come up, with the bulk of the grid being based here surely there’s some new guys for next year.
Could someone please tell me what’s happening to prodrive/aston martin?
I would love to see Alonso/Kimmi in Ferrari next year. Never liked Massa and doubt he will be able to return to cockpit.
Kimi! Don’t go back into the abyss! And Alonso! don’t bring anymore controversies (which seem to follow you no matter where you go, Mclaren or Renault…) to our favorite red team!
kubica to mcclaren?? wud that be a good match if there is a spot at mcclaren next year
Before the Kimi McLaren rumor is verified, I’m just thinking that Ferrari just doesn’t think Kimi is playboy enough to satisfy the show! All know he’s a hell of a driver, but his cultural background doesn’t deliver that extra to the show that is F1. Also I would’nt be suprised if Ferrari is making it difficult for kimi to join another team. Because without Kimi, Alonso could shine a little bit more.
Then again if it is true with the McLaren rumor, I think it will be a success! As Haug said today, that when Kimi was in McLaren they just had really bad motors which blew up all the time and were so close to titles..
Kimi at McLaren will be dangerous and Hamilton is just the right pair for the finn. So if this is happening I think it’s Lewis and Kimi who is fighting for the championship next year!
WHO KNOWS!!! I’m just waiting for the end of this fantastic season first… though it would be good to see Kimi with Hamilton. So tough to chose who’s first driver and second driver though!
*Choose*
oh yeaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh fernando at ferrari rock on……………………….
oh yeaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh kimi at mclaren rock on…………………†¦â€¦.
Lotus may take on Rubens as Tony Fernandes has already hinted towards getting one seasoned pro and teaming him up with a new boy. How about getting Bruno Senna, he’s a good driver and he’ll definately learn a lot from a guy like Rubens.
Hamilton and Kimi vs Alonso and Massa, that seems to be a hell of a fight, can’t wait for next season, kind of tired of Jenson I want to see Ferraris winning!!
Some people seem to be bothered about whats going to happen when Lewis and Kimi team up? I really don’t think that there is anything to worry about. Kimi is’nt Alonso, he lives in his own world, it would’nt make a difference to him if he was racing with the ghost of Aryton Senna. So Lewis can do his thing and Kimi can race on his terms. (Dont think that it’s not possible for a team to develop cars for different type of drivers, Brawn has done it and there cars seem to suit both drivers who are worlds apart in terms of their driving style) There can be a lot of competition between the two (and God i’m hoping there is) but it won’t be like 07 with Fernando.
Rubbish
Alonso shouldn’t be at Ferrari
He should be at Renault
Being a Finn, driving a Merc, this possible deal with Kimi and Mclaren (if they still have merc as their engine, wasn’t there some talk about MB going more to the BrawnGP section rather than sticking with Mc?) is going to suit me! The circle closes.. Look for Kimi to take some back-to-back champs.
kimi is awesome but i think he will take a back seat at mclaren but forget the game plan and absolutely pan hamilton at spa/suzuka before hot footing it over to rallying with a crap load of money.
I don’t think Alonso should be at Ferrari, everywhere Alonso goes controversy and shady dealings are quick to follow. Ferrari should stay with folks who either win or lose by their talent and the quality of the car they’re driving, not by whatever underhanded junk they think they can get away with, as is the tradition that seems to follow Alonso around wherever he goes.
Brawn Button Barrichello
Red Bull Vettel Webber
Ferrari Massa Alonso
McLaren Hamilton Rosberg
Toyota Trulli Raikkonen
Williams Kovalainen Hulkenburg
Renault Kubica Grosjean
BMW Sauber replacment team Heidfeld Glock
Force India Sutil Liuzzi
Toro Rosso Alguesari Buemi
Usf1 Villneuve Wurz
Manor Davidson Carrol
Campos De La Rosa Senna
Lotus Fauzy Sato
Since it is the silly season.
What about Safety Car Guy. No one seems to be able to get past him, but he does let drivers unlap themselves which is quite sporting. Also he is the best driver in the wet.
i think that rubens stays in brawn and rosberg might go to Renault…heikki maybe will go to lotus gp..but one thing is sure piquet jr. is never coming back to F1 thanks God!!!
Kimi has taken a crap car and made it shine. if he gets a reliable car which is good for P4, he will win races. alonsi is just a cry baby and dont think massa watns to be a number 2.
I am very sceptical about Massa’s return, head injuries have a very long lasting effect, he could feel fine now, but how about a couple of rounds during a race? Alonso to Ferrari better match than McLaren, or should that be called Ma Hamilton, anyone who end up in the second seat will be treated as second class. Kimi to Toyota? No, they are better of with Clock, second seat, Kubica!, Trulli to Lotus.
I am suprised about all the stick Alonso gets. I believe he is the best at the moment. I also believe that the 2010 championship has the potential of being one of the best. Think :
1. No new rules so not much controversy
2. Possibly thebest line-ups of drivers in ages
3. Since rules are the same as this year the racing should be extremely close (imagine nest year if mclaren, ferrari, red bull, brawn) get the cars right from the off
I also believe that if Kimi goes to Mclaren he will shine. He is fast and will give Lewis a run for his money. Also with the competition Lewis can get better.
Still doubt whether Massa will be 100% for next year. If not then Ferrari will have to use Fisi or …wait for it line up Alonso-Schumacher. now that would be a dream field.
Two things.
Alonso and Massa in 1 team. Bad idea. VERY bad idea. but don’t take my word for it: just wait ’till next year.
Those two aren’t really friend, remember.
2nd; Mclaren took away two world titles when Kimi was driving for them. 2003 & 2005 Kimi should’ve been world champion back then but the cars where just unrealiable as … as something REALLY UNREALIABLE – engine, gearbox. How often did it happen Kimi was on the lead before his engine blew up? It was always someting. So I don’t know what to think. Obviously the Silver Arrows are more reliable now So that should be OK. That being said: I hope they’ll still be reliable in 2010 so Kimi humiliates the h*ll out of Ferrari for letting him go and payback for the shitty car he has this year.
Shame the prancing horse is signing this mr cheatter.
He was trouble at McLaren and I hope Massa or whoever will be his teammate will kick his ass!!
Mr “I didn’t know about the crashgate” Sure my ass.
I agree with no.41. alonso must have known about the crashgate. the guy is just trouble.
and i really believe massa will be quicker than him.
im a big kimi fan and im sad to see him leave ferrari but i think the guy deserves more respect from a team, 1st year wins world championship, 2nd year, struggled with car and this year, outqualified massa 8-4 ish before incident and has driven superbly since felipe’s crash…and they kick him to the curb.
poor form i think.
i just hope kimi doesnt go to rallying. he’s the most popularr driver out there by a country mile!!
people seem to love his laid back, couldnt give a damn approach and his speed too!!
fear for him at mclaren tho, hammy is damn quick!!still, i kinda want to know whos faster, cos ive said that 2008,2009, mclaren had a much better car and the ferari boys just made up fpr it with talent so,
alonso will be THUMPED by massa
kimi to face hammy….OH YESSS
………..and the rest
Alonso is a slimy charachter, but it is obvious is one of the best drivers in the field. On a par with Hamilton and therefore much better than Massa.
As a fellow Finn, it pains me to see that Kimi most likely will be leaving Ferrari. But it also makes me glad. Because then, the chances are that he’ll get back to McM… the team where the Finns always start destroying everyone else. Remember Häkkinen…? ;D
I’ve never really liked Alonso, he came out of nowhere, then drove the Renault like a madman and went on a winning streak. But imo, he doesn’t deserve to be in Ferrari. It’s not a fair way to get into the most legendary team just because their new fancy sponsor is Spanish and want a Spanish driver.
Hopefully, Kimi and Lewis end up as teammates, and humiliate Ferrari next year.
@ Ash i think photoshop is stretching it maybe paint?
@ #43 may I remind you that Lewis won to Massa by 1 point so not much difference there and this year Massa was leading Lewis in points before the accident. If Alonso is on par with Lewis then Alonso/Massa will be a hell of a setup.
Alex Yoong…..hes a has been as far as F1 is concern…. Fairuz Fauzy is highly likely for Lotus… as for Alonso I hope he’ll stay in Ferrari longer then when he was at McLaren
Ha ha ha! That picture’s great!
I’d like to see Rubens get up to 300 race starts. Then he can retire. It would also be good if he was to win the championship in his last year after all that time.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mr eyebrows (seriously, have you senn those monsters) ca NOT be in a ferrari. it is wrong. still hell be better than badoer was!
this has wrecked my day. and im bloody 49th comment. boo :’ (
lewis & kimi on the same team? 2010 is going to be interesting!
I would give all the luck to Massa because Alonzo will start to complain that Massa is getting all the attention at Ferrari camp.
Who do you think will be in the number 1 seat for Ferrari next year?
I think it’s a damn shame how they are treating Kimi. “Thanks for squeezing out the 5 podiums and win from a sub par car – now off you go.”
Alonso hopefully won’t stay long when he finds he can’t compete with Massa’s status within the team. Especially since Massa is liked by the team, is pals with Schumi and has Todt’s kid as a manager. He’s well ingrained in that team and I can imagine a lot of kicking and screaming on Alonso’s part for Massa to be a vast second to him.
I hate Alonso. Any positive result with him next year will be bitter sweet.
I would think that Rubens would make good a move to Lotus GP. The director hinted that they don’t mind/intend to get a driver who is experienced and is prolly on the way out into Lotus. So that the driver can give good inputs to develop the car. So cruel to give it your all to put up a good show and once the team is on its way up, they forgot all about the old soldiers.
Apparently Timo Glock has also been released from his contract.
celtic tiger, i agree with you alot, especially on the kimi matter, its pretty harsh that after all the hard work he’s done on a now undeveloped car, that hes going to be booted, i dont see a point in him moving to mclaren for just 1 year, so i have a theory that he might just throw inthe towel and move onto his rallying, its gonna be an interesting partnership though, massa and alonso, while no doubt alonso is arguably the best driver on the grid (shut up hamilton fans) so it should be exciting next year, although i do think he probably knew about the whole piquet crash scandal
bring on suzuka!!!
barrichello for title!!
Alonso and Massa 2010 Ferrari drivers could be potentially a nightmare.
It’s gonna be Ferrari vs McLaren again next year, isn’t it? Oh how I hated the fanboy wars…
Actually, Red Bull will surely stay competitive, and Williams might continue to rise, but Brawn GP had all that Honda R&D this year, so I’m not sure they’ll be up front in 2010. Not much money, I imagine.
I want Rubens to stay for at least one more year, but at his age I would imagine 2009 to be his last chance of a WDC. Heikki may have to race for Mercedes in DTM or go rallying if he doesn’t start advertising his skill to other teams soon…
Kimi vs Hamilton might make for some Toyotas-at-Monza-style driving. Could get ugly. Or be VERY entertaining! Alonso vs Massa could end up being much the same way. Only much whinier, possibly.
Isn’t Williams going to be Renault-powered next year? That brings back memories…
i wouldnt want alonso in my team or as a team mate its all about him its clear to see massa has alot of respect at ferrari alonso will think hes the be all and end all because he has the backing of sponsors expect fireworks
it will be good to see bruno senna feature next year you can see alot of ayrton in him on and off track
(we talk about how good drivers are for the teams but how good would they be if they had all but some technology taken away and had a gear stick and clutch)
rosberg will go to a merc team mainly brawn
feel sorry for kimi being pushed out as its not his results but the sponsors but feel that it would be good for him to return to mclaren it could be good for lewis too kimi isnt just fast hes fair and always consistant
The difference is when Alonso moved to McLaren he had just won 2 WDC titles, his move to Ferrari this time he can’t go pressuring as a ‘reigning’ WDC. He will have to adapt. Massa has roots at Ferrari so much so they will dummp Kimi and keep him, Alonso / Lewis pairing were both Fresh McLaren drivers so they still had to prove themselves in the team.
It will be different and it will not surprise me if actually Massa / Alonso would go pretty well together. If not they’ll just call next year’s car FFS instead of F61 lol!
Just say no to Villenue in USF1. Just say no.
I would like Rubens (very popular among SCCA guys in the States) at USF1 instead… but am not holding my breath.
Best of luck to Barrichello. He has 2 or 3 more F1 years left in him.
I´ve heard that Santander(the sponsor of McLaren and Ferrari) where planning to send Raikkonen back to McLaren with Lewis already there, and buy Alonso to Ferrari, who there is going to be second driver for Alonso could be Massa if he gets ready or they probably find somebody else.
Who doesnt want a Rubens Barrichello – Bruno Senna Brazilian combo?
Damn, that’s a lot of money, smaller than Kimi, but still a lot. Ferrari better fix their cars if they want to win next year, Alonso, or no Alonso. McLaren, Red Bull, Brawn smell blood and they are gunning for it.
it s gonna be a good pair…alonso and massa.alonso will be no1 pilot.hopefully ferrari will be competitive next year.i would like to see vettel at ferrari when massa ends his contract. mclaren will fire kovalainen and maybe bring somenone like rosberg or glock. rubens deserves to drive again next season for brawn.
I’m surprised anyone would touch Fernando Alonso with a 10 foot pole, after being involved in theft of Ferrari’s technical manual, then scheming with Renault to stage a crash at Singapore 2008. I wonder what Alonso’s 2010 immunity deal will do to Scuderia.
People don’t worry Ferrari will have a championship winning car next year, mark my words.
By eliminating Kimi from Ferrari…does Ferrari want another shitty season next year? Looks like British domination with Mclaren and BrawnGP for the foreseeable future. Ferrari, I am disappoint.
Rubens shouldnt as of yet retire, he has a lot going for him, just needs that drive/car to give him which he deserves. I believe though, and hope at the same time, that next season he will be with a new team, Lotus could do well to employ him and Heikki…both have the ability to push other teams and keep them on their toes, pity he couldnt become the new World Champion for 2009, oh what joy that would be wouldnt it, Button is just lucky at the moment in keeping his lead…
Alonso will have a rude awakening when he joins Ferrari!!! Id say Massa is damn quick!!
Lewis v Kimi, man id love to see that. I dont think Lewis would have it all his own way as may be expected. If Raikkonen gets a car suited to him like the McM he had in 2005, I dont care how fast Hammy goes, the Iceman will burn his kiester all day long!
2010 is gonna be fantastic. And none of these 4 guys will even be the reigning champion, we still have the Brawns, Red Bull and the rest. Getting tight at the top for next year.
I see 2010 being pretty much 3 races,
McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and Brawn.
Renault, Williams, Forcde India and Toyota.
Torro Rosso and all the newbies.
By the way, shocked at how Ferrari has treated Raikkonen, SHOCKED!!!!
He’s been fantastic this year! With a dog of a car as proved by Fisi and Luca.
Fisi is well used to the car by now. His excuses are over, that he isnt used to it.
FACT: F60 is a dog and Raikkonen and Massa had been using all their talent to pull out some amazing performances.
Two more names on the table. There are two argentine drivers looking for a F1 seat. Lopez and Guerrieri, Lopez is talking with Campos and USF1 and Guerrieri with Manor. Argentine press says that Lopez has almost the 80% of the required budget with help princypally of YPF. And Guerrieri has the 50%. Lopez is a former gp2 an renault test driver, and Guerrieri former manor driver.
rubens should retire and please please come back lord schumacher….
hey then what about bruno senna? he’s got a good sponsor backing and if roumors suggest he might join brawn gp along with jenson button…has anyone heard about that
Must be the usual Fia-Ferrari help that kept Alonso out of trouble during this crashgate investigations. Shame the prancing horse lost all it’s feelings of proudness. Hope however will kick their ass nxt yr!
Surprised to see this as a ‘I hate Alonso’ discussion.
Watch him beat everyone next year in a red car. I believe he can be the next Schumacher for Ferrari. And don’t tell me Schumacher was a saint, or Senna, or Prost or Hamilton (forget lying for a measly point earlier in year)
So quit hating Alonso and watch him go
The way he behaved at McLaren and the way he plays ‘mr innocent’ during this crash gate made me sick. Sure Senna and Schumi were no saints but they kicked teammates ass on the track, not like Alonso in the pits (remember how he kept Hamilton waiting?).
Ferrari just confirmed it officially!
About time too! i might not totally like alonso but i have always wanted ferrari to get him this will be a match made in heaven people!!!!
Sure he will feel at home, same spirit. They still need advisor Schumi now? Oh yeah sure, to calm down Massa soon as Alonso makes his moves inside the team..
I don’t want Alonso to move to Ferrari, because Alonso was at home at Renault, and last time he went to a team with a high profile, he cost them $100 million dollors. Ferrari are making a mistake.
Hmm
Currently there are 3 world champions driving in f1 + 1 new one ( Button or Barrichello) + Villeneuve might return + Loeb might race in F1 also + shit can happen ( Massa’s injuries can be even worser and Schumacher will take his place)
That all combined.. and what a list of world champions. (Won’t happen but it’s fun to speculate)
I think Kimi to Mclaren will be great – I think alot of people forgot that if it were not for rotten luck, Kimi would have won 1 or 2 championships with Mclaren before.
Ok, so Lewis and Kimi probably won’t exactly be best buddies (Kimi isn’t going to play the Heikki lapdog part for Lewis)but I think they will respect eachother as racers and have some real battles.
Btw,despite all the flak Alonso is getting on here, one thing is for sure: he is still probably the best all-round driver on the track.So love him or hate him – he is going to be a hell of a force in a Ferrari, even if it isn’t the fastest on the track.
As many posts before, Hammy and Kimi for 2010!!!! 2007 and 2008 Champions together!!! Ohh yeah!!! McLaren would be real happy!!! Sorry Heikki, I wish you would have done better to stay, but this year was a mess for you. In races you qualify great, but when the pressure is on, you drive like crap. So if Kimi joins McLaren it will be Hammy, and The Fin, and not Hammy and The Other Fin. So Heikki, if you want a drive next year, then DRIVE this year!!!
Sad to see Kimi go from Ferrari, was really looking forward to seeing him win another championship with the Scuderia.
That said however, I hope he does get a seat alongside Hamilton at McLaren and wins the championship over there, just to rub Ferraris nose in it for how he has been treated..
Hes been fantastic with a utterrly garbage car this season, can’t wait to see him get into a proper car next season.
Now I’m really looking forward to the next season.
I wonder what Lewis Hamilton is going to do with a proper Raikkonen beside him. I think he’ll look very slow.
Ferrari is plain stupid to let Raikkonen go, Alonso-Kimi would have been the best couple (sorry Massa).
If Ferrari hadn’t freed Kimi, McLaren would have kept that Kovalainen and wouldn’t be a serious player for constructors’ title next year.
@13 rob: Di Resta’s a Scottish-Italian, not a drop of English blood in him.
Guys, Massa qualified behind Raikkonen…… But then he had way more points than him going into Hungary, and it took Raikkonen 2 races to overtake him, and Massa is still 9th in the championship. Both men have driven fantastically well with a crap car, and I hope that both are more successful next year
it’s just my feeling but wasn’t Mr. Alonso in all teams at that time when all big scandals were revealed?
McLaren spy affair, Renault results fixing – he that to be said was not involved in any way, but the feeling is here…
Whilst Kimi/Lewis at Mclaren would be awesome, McLaren would never take on someone who is now a Ferrari reject.
If Massa gets back to 110% and his new teammate will be Alonso, he will be the better of the two. Alonso has clearly shown that Renault did him well on his first term there, but hasn’t really been amazing since. At Ferrari he will inevitably be a crybaby once more, cause he will not be number 1, if Massa comes back.
Kimi back to McLaren… Sure, let’s have a properly fast finish driver, Kova is not bad, but he is not as experienced or as competive as Kimi.
Whether Ruby wins the championship or not (I doubt he will catch Button) he will retire after this season I am sure.
For me the big question is about drivers that have sort of proven themselves. Glock, Trulli, Rosberg, Heidfeld, Kubica and to some extent Kovaleinen. Where they will be next season?
Here in the northern as we look into the ice and predict the future, we see a Kimi that won’t race in f1 no more because he got paid out!
Less competition for Alonso, more show to F1. Massa will be the new Rubens.
It’s simple mathematics … even Bernie once said that Kimi should be banned.
Bring back Montoya for USF1 LOL he is probably to fat to fit in an F1 car anyway. So Kimi kicks relative ass for Ferrari and they kick him to the curb. Whatever Blah. F1 rules Nascrap drools
It is sad that Kimi is leaving Ferrari, they were a good fit. (not that Alonso won’t be)
Don’t you think that perhaps similar issues that Alonso had at McLaren will come up at Ferrari? Massa’s relationship with Ferrari is somewhat similar to Hamilton with McLaren (but not as extreme) I wrote more at http://bit.ly/345oVk
SAD FACE. good luck Kimi. also, for my satisfaction as a Ferrari fan, i hope Alonso does very, very, very very poorly. i absolutely hate him, even if he does drive for my team. thats not to say he is a bad driver, i just don’t like him or want him at Ferrari. FORZA.. erm.. Massa.
in addition to that, i think Ferrari should start preparations for their 2012 car, given Alonso’s contract runs out after 2011. but instead of starting it half way through their 2011 season as they did this year, they need to start it now. like, right now. or start negotiating swapping Alonso for some Finish driver named Kimi Raikkonen.. i hear hes good. very good. even amazingly good. the first open Ferrari seat after that deal should go to Sebastian Vettel.
The Scuderia should have respected the contract of Kimi and after that they should have signed Vettel for long term.
It seems Germans feel at home in Italy and they do mix some ‘gründlichkeit’ in the spaghetti chaos.
I just don’t understand the Alonso hate around here. The guy is a hard worker (much more so than Kimi), he helps the engineers improving the car, he’s a reliable, consistent performer on the track, he’s one of the best under the rain, he’s gotten some podiums out of his TERRIBLE Renault these last two years, etc. The guy is Ferrari material, certainly a more solid driver than Massa.
proper gutted to see kimi treated like this :/
alonso is arguably the best driver on the grid, despite not liking him i think he’ll be fine with ferrari, just hope that kimi gets the extra championship he deserves
if anyone thinks Massa is faster than Alonso, you’ve got another thing coming….
I know Felipe would be driven next year because of what happened to him, but let’s face it, unless he has a great car, he couldnt win. (and even in the one chance he had one, he didnt…)
There’s a lot of new teams, and i know they’d pick a veteran over untested drivers, so i think Kimi would be around F1 for some time…
raik to mclearn kov back to renault
in reply to whats answer…go onto the itv f1 website, kimi has relaesed a statement saying he hasn’t ruled out quitting f1, and if he stays on he’ll only be in a top team, he doesnt wanna be stuck in middle order, so looks like kimi to mclaren or no kimi at all
@89 el roberto – sorry bout that mate, i did know that lol i meant to say drivers from the UK. i really rate him as a driver hes been brilliant in the DTM, deserves a chance at F1. maybe with mercedes powering 8 cars on the grid next year they could put in a good word for him?
it will be fasinating to see lewis up against alonso next year, im sure mclaren and ferrari will build the fastest cars. it so open next year, i cant wait. i dont think brawn will be as good purely because they dont have resources to maintain the same speed of development as the bigger teams. will be fasinating!
rob next year brawn will be the official mercedes team, i think they will have some money to spend…
such a shame to see that half of the Ferrari fans don’t realise what they’re getting in Alonso.
Nobody remember Imola ‘05?
http://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=SRLwtwO1BZ4
yoo don’t hold schumacher back by being “not as good as Felipe”.
It´s a shame that Ferrari doesn´t realise what they lost in Kimi.
Remember Sukuka 2005?
http://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=TlKOSI8PeW8
Don´t expect that to happen this weekend. Next year maybe when he´s back at McLaren.
back in 2005, Schumacher had a shitty car (F2005). So I think holding him up wasn’t that hard.
@AutoCritical
Read your thing. Alonso is a better driver and is about $15-20m cheaper over the three years. Also, he has the whole of the Spanish market in his pocket, whereas there not as bothered in Finland with Raikonnen.
I dunno if you’re into Football, but it’s like Kaka, Ronaldo or Ronaldinho – even if you pay 60 million quid for them, the amount of sponsership revenue etc. they bring means the club still makes profit.
Oh yeh also, how bad is the spelling in this blog?
It has always been Ferrari vs. Mclaren… I think 2009 would be one of the very few “interesting” and “surprising” seasons in F1. Goodbye to that in three races then…
Well this was an interesting decision… Kimi is a very good driver, just look at how well FIS has done with that shitty Ferrari and compare that to Kimi’s driving. Come on, we know that FIS can drive, we saw that in Spa this year. Now with Ferrari he barely makes it to Q2 and Kimi fights for the pole.
Ferrari made a huge mistake.
Oh and BTW, Kimi will absolutely tool Hamilton if they are on the same team and have the same car.
its a real shame that ferrari fired kimi… for alonso… spoiled pilot uncappable to work with a teammate i think that ferrari are running backwards
iceman rocks!!!
Schumacher was the fastest man at imola by almost a second , so yeah i think it took some doing.
feel sorry for massa; first he gets smashed in the face and now he’s gonna get smashed on the track.
brawn: button/rosberg
red bull: vettel/webber
ferrari: alonso/massa
mclaren: hamilton/raikkonen
williams: kovalainen/hulkenburg
toyota: glock/kamui kobayashi
qadbak sauber: heidfeld/klien
renault: kubica/grosjean
force india: sutil/liuzzi
toro rosso: buemi/alguesuari
manor: paul di resta/dario franchitti??
usgp: scott speed/jacques villeneuve
campos: pedro de la rosa/javier villa
lotus: barrichello/alex yoong
Hi All,
Well i’m a big fan of Kimi, wasn’t interested in F1 at all, but when i had seen this guy drive i’m always in front of TV to watch just this guy, every driver has his history and i liked his Monza race where he started 20th and finished 2nd.. now as alonso is being signed by Ferrari i want this guy to join Mclaren if there is an option, I can’t really wait to see – Massa vs KIMI vs Alonso vs Hamilton..
He’s sad but if he gets a good team like he said ( am surely not going with any of the small teams, as that will never give me the chance to fight for the championship. And if I’m not able to fight for the championship, there will be no reason for me to be in Formula One), we’ll be watching Kimi in a different role, Hmmm, what a good year that be.. can’t wait for 1st Grand Prix in Bahrain..you r a winner Kimppa.. Wish u luck, cheers mate
Everyone’s on about this Ferrari v McLaren for 2010. Hasn’t worked out this year has it? Both teams go through the doldrums from time to time (McLaren mid 90’s, Ferrari early-mid 90’s for example). They didn’t get out of it after one season either.
Not that I wouldn’t love to see this 4 way fight for the title.
Back then it gave teams like Williams (who had been building with Renault for a few years), likewise Benetton, the chance to come through and win a few titles. Who says it isn’t Red Bull & Brawn’s turn to have a few years in the sun?
Another guy, did you read what you wrote? So Alonso “works hard and helps the engineers improve the car. OK, but why he then drive the “TERRIBLE Renault these 2 years”? You cannot have it both ways, you know.
@koppa
I agree. All this branding of drivers like they would be super engineers and strategists is just a lot of …something!
People tend to forget that in Ferrari it wasn’t just Schumacher, it was Brawn, Todt and Shumacher and a lot of other talented people. Brawn has really proven his leadership with Brawn. I also think Brawn is a team to count on in the future.
One scenario that would be very interesting is if Kimi bought a piece of Brawn and also became the driver. Kimi’s got money if the rumors are true about what Ferrari has paid him. It would definitely attract more sponsors and Mercedes would pump more money into the team. Just imagine!
Actually I think Kimi has said something like “I could own my own team in the future” …
I wouldn’t be surprised of a few things;
1. Briatore was partly responsible for Alonso’s signing
2. Briatore could have ended up employed by Ferrari, had the latest drama not coem to light
3. Alonso would have taken with him memebers of Renault as Michael had
4. Alonso’s departure will also start a migration of Renault personnel to Ferrari
5. Some sponsors may follow Alonso as well; don’t be surpirsed if ING retains its sponsorship of Alonso, after all Santander remained his sponsor after his departure from Mclaren
Sorry if I repeated other people’s finidngs.
Why is everybody hating alonso so much? This guy showed his pace in history, beating shumi 2 years in a row.. How can you deny those facts? Driving a bad renault last and this year , he was still capable of showing what he can do.. Look at his teammate results.. Nor piquet, nor grosjean could score one single point with the same car.. He is a great driver and next year will be fantastic with all the great drivers at good teams..
Alonso will be great at Ferrari and teamed with Massa will be the best pairing any team has
@catersam, spain is 1 country of the WHOLE WORLD. Kimi may not have as much of Finland behind him as Alonso has Spain, how ever Kimi has more of THE WORLD behind him. everyone loves Kimi, no body loves Alonso unless they are Spanish.
those who THINK Alonso will be better than Kimi at Ferrari, let us remember that when Kimi was in a Mclaren, they could not build an engine to good enough standards to go through a whole race under the pressure Kimi drives it to. if not for Mclaren’s faults, Kimi would have won world championships with them (more than just one).
Renault gave Alonso the best possible car when he won, with nothing super special, he does nothing super special.
Kimi has made 5 podiums in the last 6 races. with a paper aeroplane compared to the likes of the Brawn, Red Bull and Mclarens.
Kimi is by far the fastest race driver in Formula One, Vettel being a very close second i think.
i would have loved for Raikkonen to stay at Ferrari.
Alonso said it is every drivers dream to race for Scuderia Ferrari. i think its probably a quite high percentage of Scuderia Ferrari fans who dream of Alonso retiring from Ferrari.
FORZA FERRARI, FORZA KIMI RAIKKONEN and bring on 2012.
i agree 100% with showie!
and also, why give another chance to massa? MASSA??? who is massa???
we’re not even sure he’s gonna come back at full force.
let’s hire lewis’ brother then for 2011!
i can see tension already between Massa and Alonso. goodluck to Ferrari
http://www.worldcarfans.c om/109100222171/massa-say s-alonsos-singapore-win-w as-title-robbery
He only won his titles due to the massive support from Michelin to Renault. Look at his achievments over the last two years! And he was so beaten by rookie Hamilton! The Italians will hate him soon enough!
Good blog.
Always thought Kimi was an odd fit for Ferrari, like a square peg in a latino hole.
Don’t see a move back to McL being a good idea for either Kimi or McL. Expectations have moved on for both.
Think a Rubens/Senna coupling would be perfect symbiosis.
Leaving Brawn would be a difficult and brave move for Rubens, but he should pat himself on the back say job done, do a deal that suits him, shake hands with the lads and do three great races.
let me tellyou something I think you all are looking to your flags and not to the talent at the moment the thriver in the grid with more titels is ALONSO. and another thing there never has been a problem with alonso an hamilton the problem was MCLAREN have you ever read anything else about that since alonso has left the team? also massa has saeadit everybody argues and after you apologise and that is it.
i think some peole here should think want they have said because i think its disgostibg you can say your opinion but with respect
(sorry my inglish is not the best)
Raikkonen will own the next season, no matter what team he will be in.
Alonso will put Ferrari at the back if the feild.
luckry they have Raikonen to put them at the front.
yay 130th comment. (its not the same effect realy)
‘
happy for ya alonso but cmon kimmi to mclaren.
mclaren will be unstopeble with lewis and kimmi
Kovalinen isn’t gonna be doin any rallying he’s not done in f1 after just 3 yrs. Maybe Hekki to Manor/Lotus and Barrichello to go to Williams…direct swap with Rosberg
BRAVO FERNANDO. GREAT DESISON.
idon t think this a good idea.and i really hope that kimmi stay in ferrari
For all of you who dislike Alonso should try to respect the sport & the gentelman…stop your garbage thoughts. Give any of these drivers the fastest perfect car and they will win. The drivers of Brawn most likely win…he made the Schumi wins…&Schumi admited the same…Alonso also knows how to win and let us hope Ferrari can manage to fit him in a car that matchs his style for a good show AGAIN
The best pilot in the best scuderia
SE SIENTE INGLESITOS