Luca does it again....and why?

[Alonsomaniac]

And again Luca di Montezemolo has spoken to the press, and this time he said something I really hadn't expected: Kimi Raikkonen is Ferrari's second driver.

Luca said: "We got Kimi because we wanted a fast and experienced driver. He knows he finds himself in the second half of his career. Especially in the races he is strong and there he must be able to take away points from Fernando's opponents. Kimi's presence will be important, because this way Fernando will not be left alone in his fight for the really important points."


Well....there the man says something....but is it wise to drop this bomb even before the season starts or does he have special reason for it?

[Nero Horse]

I don't see where he says that "Kimi is Ferrari's 2nd driver"?

Was it really necessary to make a thread out of this?

Another non-news to get the media going during the winter period...

[Suzie]

Just Luca being Luca. Move along, nothing to see here.

[Tifoso]

I don't see where he says that "Kimi is Ferrari's 2nd driver"?

Was it really necessary to make a thread out of this?

Another non-news to get the media going during the winter period...

He absolutely implies that Kimi is #2 driver.

[Nero Horse]

He absolutely implies that Kimi is #2 driver.

Probably another statement taken out of context. I know some of you are eager to get the Luca bashing party going again, but I'd really like to see the full transcript of that interview or speech where he said that "Kimi is Ferrari's second driver". Could someone at least provide a link?

[fratelliferrari]

Probably another statement taken out of context. I know some of you are eager to get the Luca bashing party going again, but I'd really like to see the full transcript of that interview or speech where he said that "Kimi is Ferrari's second driver". Could someone at least provide a link?

Yes I got the same opinion as you on this point! It's not the first time the media tries to turn things around.

[Suzie]

Probably another statement taken out of context. I know some of you are eager to get the Luca bashing party going again, but I'd really like to see the full transcript of that interview or speech where he said that "Kimi is Ferrari's second driver". Could someone at least provide a link?

It's not a 'Luca bashing party'. It is perfectly acceptable to not think that every single thing someone from the team says or does is something that we always have to agree with.

[radosav]

there is another translation where Luca says Kimi will fight for top spots with Alonso, or in another words, against Alonso.

[Rishu]

It seems Luca & Fernando have settled the mess internally:

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo says Fernando Alonso was "right to get mad" at his team after it failed to match Red Bull this year.

Alonso finished a distant second in the drivers' championship and tensions between driver and team started to surface midway through the season. Both Alonso and Montezemolo have stressed that the ruction was blown out of proportion by the media, but Montezemolo admitted his driver was within his rights to be upset with Ferrari.

"He is the strongest of all and there are no problems with him," he said. "He was right to get mad, as we have to give him a competitive car, something we didn't do in the second half of the season."

He added: "It's obvious I'm not happy with the way things went. However, it's also true that we are the only team in the world for whom it's seen as a tragedy to come second, which seems something of an exaggeration to me. Clearly, we now need to win and we've had enough of finishing second."

Next year Ferrari will pair Alonso with Kimi Raikkonen in what is likely to be a fast but feisty partnership. Montezemolo believes only Mercedes' pairing of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg comes close.

"I am pleased I followed [team principal Stefano] Domenicali's recommendations regarding Kimi: when I met him, I saw he was on great form and extremely motivated and I was pleased to see how warmly he was received both inside and outside the team. I think the pairing we have, along with that at Mercedes, is the strongest in the 2014 championship."

[Kingdom Hearts]

I don't think he is saying that Kimi is number 2, no way he will say that in public even if is true. Kimi will take points from Fernando's rivals the same way Fernando will do to Kimi's rivals, is a matter of who finish ahead. Internally maybe they think that Fernando will be better than Kimi and that will put Kimi in the number 2 position, but is too early to tell.

[Greig]

Kimi motivated????

[Suzie]

Kimi motivated????

Er yes? What is your point?

#TeamKimi

[Alonsomaniac]

As for the reason I posted this: it was just a question. I read it and I wondered why Luca should say something that implies that we have a nr 1 and 2 driver. And of course it was just a translation, I can't read Italian.
But Luca has said some things before that raised our eyebrows, so it's rather natural that I had some thoughts about it.....I think....:xmassmile:

[Module]

Motorsport total has it's atricle titel: "Ferrari lässt anklingen: Räikkönen ist die Nummer zwei"

http://www.motorsport-total.com/f1/n...-13122002.html

[Alonsomaniac]

Motorsport total has it's atricle titel: "Ferrari lässt anklingen: Räikkönen ist die Nummer zwei"

http://www.motorsport-total.com/f1/n...-13122002.html

Hmmm....just read it. Now what to think?

[Nero Horse]

Motorsport total has it's atricle titel: "Ferrari lässt anklingen: Räikkönen ist die Nummer zwei"

http://www.motorsport-total.com/f1/n...-13122002.html

I read that article and I didn't see anywhere where Luca said anything about Kimi being a 2nd driver. All I saw was that it was the German site themselves claiming that, but not Luca. So it remains a mystery where do they get this info when Luca hasn't said it. But german media always knows better than everybody else about Ferrari's internal relationships, even better than Ferrari people themselves LOL.

Here's the full transcript of what Luca said about Kimi:

Although the Italian team and the Finn parted ways in difficult circumstances at the end of the 2009 Formula 1 season, they put their issues behind them earlier this year after agreeing a deal to reunite from next season.

Di Montezemolo has been impressed with Raikkonen's attitude and expects the Finn will deliver a big boost to Fernando Alonso too.

"Kimi has been better than what I expected," said di Montezemolo during a lunch with media at Ferrari's Fiorano test track.

"He has been welcomed by the fans all over the world, he is far more popular with the fans, and that is important inside the team."

What Raikkonen has to do to succeed at Ferrari

Di Montezemolo has no concerns that the partnership will create any political tensions - and thinks that ultimately Alonso stands to benefit from Raikkonen's support.

"What about [the comments that] putting them together - Alonso and Raikkonen - could be dangerous?" said di Montezemolo.

"In F1 I accept the attitude to equalise everything, sometimes too much, but everything provides potential dangers.

"I think Fernando knows that he drives not for himself but for Ferrari, and Raikkonen knows that he is in the second half of his career, and [there are] two very important years for him in front. Experience, responsibilities."

The president expects Raikkonen to make a bigger difference to Ferrari's title prospects than predecessor Felipe Massa was able to in recent years.

"I think that the main reason why I am positive is because Kimi in particular in the races is very strong, so will be in condition to get points off even some of Fernando's competitors to get points for the team.

"And he is a very correct guy. Since he has been with us we have not got even one moment of problems.

"They are responsible and I think the presence of Kimi will be extremely important and useful to not leave Fernando alone at the front of the grid to fight from the first lap to the end.

"[Stefano] Domenicali has spoken very clear to both of them, and they have the honour and the responsibility to drive for Ferrari.

"Every driver while I have been here knows that he has to drive not for himself but for the team.

"If some driver wants to drive for himself there are many possibilities, they can do their own team, they can go in a different team, but in Ferrari these are the rules - and that is very clear."

...so where does he say that Kimi will be Ferrari's 2nd driver??? All I see is high praise for Kimi and saying that both drivers will drive for the team and not for themselves.

[Suzie]

I think the implication is quite clearly there, Nero Horse. With Luca, you need to read between the lines most of the time, you know?

[Nova]

I have very high regards for Luca. He was Enzo's right hand man, and continues the tradition of the Prancing Horse.
He is the man.:xmassmile::xmaswink::xmasbiggrin::xmascool:

[Nero Horse]

I think the implication is quite clearly there, Nero Horse. With Luca, you need to read between the lines most of the time, you know?

And in which part exactly is he implying that in that interview?

[Nero Horse]

I think the implication is quite clearly there, Nero Horse. With Luca, you need to read between the lines most of the time, you know?

You mean these 2 parts:

"I think that the main reason why I am positive is because Kimi in particular in the races is very strong, so will be in condition to get points off even some of Fernando's competitors to get points for the team."

"They are responsible and I think the presence of Kimi will be extremely important and useful to not leave Fernando alone at the front of the grid to fight from the first lap to the end."

???

I think what he means by that is that it's better to have two strong drivers driving in the front and fighting for the wins than just one. But even IF he would be "implying" that Kimi will be Ferrari's number 2 driver then so what? Good for him on setting the ground rules then, that way there will be less bickering later on when the season starts. Everyone will know exactly what part to play. Alonso fans should be pleased with that. :xmastongue:

[radosav]

Speaking at a Santander function in Madrid, the Spaniard said, “I have faith in Ferrari and I am happy to be able to work with Raikkonen, a driver who has a rare talent and from whom I can learn a lot.”

“The experience he and I have will be vital to develop the car: the most important thing is that we work together for Ferrari and that a red car is first across the line, no matter which one '' ----these words from Alonso show different situation at Ferrari, they are both equal in the beginning , later will be Ferrari's decision!

[shamim179]

The implication is there although subtle that Kimi is the number 2 driver. He's confident that he'll do a much better job than Massa.

This contradicts Kimi's statement when asked if he is the number 2 driver.

It all sounds like he's trying to keep Alonso happy whereas a few months ago it was the opposite. It's good to see that Luca has put this behind him.

[Suzie]

You mean these 2 parts: ???

I think what he means by that is that it's better to have two strong drivers driving in the front and fighting for the wins than just one. But even IF he would be "implying" that Kimi will be Ferrari's number 2 driver then so what? Good for him on setting the ground rules then, that way there will be less bickering later on when the season starts. Everyone will know exactly what part to play. Alonso fans should be pleased with that. :xmastongue:

No offence but I think you need to take off your rose-tinted spectacles

[Nero Horse]

No offence but I think you need to take off your rose-tinted spectacles

Thank you very much for the advice. It's so nice to see that there are still such good considerate people around who think about the welfare of others by giving such great advice. :xmassmile:

[Alonsomaniac]

I think the implication is quite clearly there, Nero Horse. With Luca, you need to read between the lines most of the time, you know?

Well, that's what I did, read between the lines. And that's why I wondered why he did this. But I guess he has his reasons, because Luca always knows exactly what he is saying.

[Suzie]

Thank you very much for the advice. It's so nice to see that there are still such good considerate people around who think about the welfare of others by giving such great advice. :xmassmile:

Hey no need to be sarky, I was only pointing out that you can't necessarily take everything Luca says at face value.

But forget it.

[Nero Horse]

Hey no need to be sarky, I was only pointing out that you can't necessarily take everything Luca says at face value.

But forget it.

Sorry Suzie. Let's not make a big deal out of a non-issue, after all it's Christmas time. You know, jingle bells, gingerbread n stuff. :xmasbiggrin: :xmaswink:

[racingbradley]

I think the implication is quite clearly there, Nero Horse. With Luca, you need to read between the lines most of the time, you know?

Agree with you there Suzie :xmaswink:
Luca has always had a soft spot for Kimi. I remember when we were all shouting at our screens on a Sunday afternoon willing him to make an effort Luca made excuses for him---he compared him to a footballer who loses his form but it comes back then he said Kimi's brother was driving the car!!!!!

I think LDM uses psychology quite often....he may have hinted at kimi being 2nd driver because he wants both drivers fighting for the title. He has already put his plan in motion dangling the carrot of La Ferrari for the winner of the WDC.

If he can get both hungry to win then the WCC is in the bag also. Clever plan Luca :xmasbiggrin:

Just my opinion :xmaswink:

[Tobes]

I think LDM uses psychology quite often....he may have hinted at kimi being 2nd driver because he wants both drivers fighting for the title. He has already put his plan in motion dangling the carrot of La Ferrari for the winner of the WDC.

If he can get both hungry to win then the WCC is in the bag also. Clever plan Luca :xmasbiggrin:

Just my opinion :xmaswink:

Don't think either driver will try any harder to win the WDC because of the 'carrot', the 'carrot' may well be a nice little bonus, but can't help but feel neither driver should need any extra incentive, being a WDC for Ferrari should be incentive enough, if it's not they should quit..!

[Rob]

Don't think either driver will try any harder to win the WDC because of the 'carrot', the 'carrot' may well be a nice little bonus, but can't help but feel neither driver should need any extra incentive, being a WDC for Ferrari should be incentive enough, if it's not they should quit..!