Musical Chairs: Kimi contests WRC Finland, Rossi considers Ferrari, F1 could grow 3rd car
Valentino Rossi tests a Ferrari F1 car – Click above for high-res image galleryTypically F1 drivers come up through the formula racing ladder. But for every rule there's an exception, and that exception seems to be creeping up for Ferrari, who are facing a potential change-up in drivers that involves not just numerous racing classes but varied disciplines of motorsports.
First up is Kimi Raikkonen, the team's 2007 world champion who's been trying his hand at rallying. The Finnish driver has contested local-level rallies with limited success, but remains undeterred in entering the World Rally Championship stage in Finland next month. The event will be the first top-level rally for Raikkonen, and also the first professional rally on agravel surface following previous outings on ice, snow and asphalt. Given his level of performance lately in F1, if Kimi finds his footing in rally, he could make the switch.
If Kimi were to jump ship from F1, there's no lack of talent out for Ferrari, but the Scuderia could reach into a different talent pool and bring Valentino Rossi on board. The multiple MotoGP champion has tested for Ferrari on several occasions to considerable effect, and could be ripe for a switch from two wheels to four. But even if Kimi stays in F1, Rossi could find himself with an open door just the same as reports indicate that the terms of the new arrangement between the FIA and FOTA could make way for teams to field a third car in F1 in the near future.
[Source: Autosport and F1-Live]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Curtis 8:50AM (7/02/2009)
Man I hope Rossi doesn't leave MotoGP.
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Majarvis 8:52AM (7/02/2009)
Don't worry. This same, tired story has done the rounds every 8 months or so ever since he tested Ferrari's 2006 F1 car a few years ago.
Alex 9:32AM (7/02/2009)
Agreed, I love watching Rossi mix it up with Stoner, Pedrosa and the rest.
Pete 10:35AM (7/02/2009)
yawn... nothing to see here.
clicketyclack 9:00AM (7/02/2009)
Adding a third car is really going to help teams keep costs down.
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EJ25RUN 9:43AM (7/02/2009)
And exactly how is Rossi to receive an FIA Super license. Last time i checked, non of the required race miles can be earned on a motorbike. Rossi will need a year in A1GP, F2, F3, WSR, or GP2 before he'll be allowed near a real F1 race.
This is coming from a BIG Rossi fan.
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Redline 10:28AM (7/02/2009)
Good point!
IOMTT 10:35AM (7/02/2009)
While the license thing may be true, it takes far more skill and intestinal fortitude to ride a racing motorcycle. Could you imagine an F1 driver trying to ride a MotoGP bike in full attack at a place like Assen or better yet, the Isle of Man? I would bet Rossi could do better in the Ferrari than Kimi could do on the Yamaha M1.
bitterspeak 1:13PM (7/02/2009)
Kimi didn't get all his miles or requirements to get his Super License either, he managed to get one anyway. If Rossi really wanted in, he would get it. Although my money would be on Alonso taking Kimi's place or the ever so rumored 3rd seat over Rossi.
Lou 11:41AM (7/02/2009)
Obviously no one checked the SI fortunes list the other day. Kimi is the highest paid F1 driver in the world.
I'm sure he would love to leave that for the relative obscurity of the WRC.
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sparrk 1:01PM (7/02/2009)
Kimi really doesn't care about money and fame, even Bernie criticized him and Heidfeld for that. he just wants to race. maybe he got bored of F1 and wants to have some fun in WRC.
HAAS599 10:44AM (7/02/2009)
no mention of Alonso?
There are still lots of rumors going around about him switching to Ferrari next year too.
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Cypher09 11:21AM (7/02/2009)
We've all seen what Fernando looks like in crisis mode (2007 Season). His calm cool demeanor this season is most likely the result of having an escape clause in his Renault contract & Ferrari Contract for 2010 in his back pocket.
hashiryu 11:37AM (7/02/2009)
Yup. I'm pretty damn sure a Ferrari seat has had Alonso's name on it for a while now.