Ferrari confirms Kimi and Felipe for 2009
The closer we get to the end of this season and to the start of the next, the clearer the picture will become as to which drivers will be where for the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship. While his team was undergoing testing alongside its competitors at the Monza track in Italy, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo placed one of the bigger pieces in the puzzle in confirming that Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa would both be back in scarlet for next season. Although towards the beginning of the season it was onto Massa's future which doubt was cast, by now the tides have changed in that Kimi's performance has lagged behind his team-mate and it's Raikkonen's future that was being debated in the press. However Montezemolo confirmed that neither driver would be replaced for the coming season.
While in the paddock, Montezemolo also visited former champion Fernando Alonso and current leader Lewis Hamilton, but insisted that Alonso, who has been rumored to be angling for a seat with Ferrari, would have to wait at least a little while longer. Montezemolo also took the opportunity to express his displeasure with the new tracks being mixed into the calendar, stating that because overtaking is so difficult on these new circuits, the winner is often pre-determined in qualifying.
[Source: F1-Live Image: Andreas Solaro/Getty]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Franz 2:04PM (9/01/2008)
LOL. Luca di Montezemolo is only complaining about the new circuits because Kimi's been having a hard time qualifying well. I think it's a little too early to pass judgment on Valencia... as the circuit sees more use the surface wont be so dusty and slick, and the drivers won't be so apprehensive about venturing off the racing line.
So much for the retirement rumors surrounding Kimi. I'm glad he's gonna be around for at least another season.
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Pdexter 2:28PM (9/01/2008)
Might be, but Valencia was pretty horrible when thinking about overtaking. Good looking track thought.
Cant wait for the next season with all the big changes.
JD 2:23PM (9/01/2008)
Good, I like these guys, and I really really hope Alonso never is invited to Ferrari. The guy's a prick and will only cause turmoil for them. See: McLaren.
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Noidor 10:57PM (9/01/2008)
Ron Dennis has never been able to avoid having some sort of drama with Latin drivers. Whether it was Senna, Montoya, and now Alonso.
Other day that little s*it Hamilton, compared himself to Schumacher. I believe he said something along the lines of, "I'm never No.2, not even when you put me next to Schumacher." (Reminds me of that South Park episode w/ Bono) Hamilton was the one who triggered all the trouble. Unsurprisingly, Dennis protected him instead of Alonso, who simply retaliated.
Philthy 7:52AM (9/02/2008)
Biased much?
pmiddle5 2:27PM (9/01/2008)
Montezemolo knows whats up. Valencia was truling boring. Boo to that one.
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Brett 2:47PM (9/01/2008)
I never thought it would be said, but Valencia provided a more boring race than Hungary. It's great that Bernie loves circuits that don't allow overtaking. Glad Spa is next. Always a good race there.
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pmiddle5 3:41AM (9/02/2008)
No over taking and no punishment for mistakes. BLAH. I want to see someone hit a wall if they mess up on an exit(canada!) not run over a curb then onto more asphalt. NO FUN.
Brad 9:32AM (9/02/2008)
I'm a little surprised that Kimi is coming back. He's kind of had that "finishing out the string" attitude this year. This last engine failure is not going to help his confidence any.
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mako 11:33AM (9/02/2008)
Coming back? Kimi has a contract until the end of 2009, anyway I dont get this post since all of it has already been known for almost a year so no new information was confirmed here.
DjDATZ 4:32PM (9/11/2008)
I used to be excited about Kimi coming to Ferrari, now I see he just sucks. I want Hamilton.
Hamilton + Ferrari = WIN.
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