Kimi confirmed

[Poltergeistes]

the truth is that again fernando and kimi by the time they meet next season will both have had been alpha males of their teams, both have felt they could request it cause they knew their positions inside the team.

something tells me this was a decision that came from luca, and not from stefano. i think massa is out of the hot spot, and stefano has been promoted to it.

[Nero Horse]

Did you guys know that Kimi can't work on test simulators because apparently he gets motion sickness? That's a bit of a concern in terms of car development, isn't it?

[FerrariF60]

Did you guys know that Kimi can't work on test simulators because apparently he gets motion sickness? That's a bit of a concern in terms of car development, isn't it?

that's OK, we got Nando and Dela Rossa for the simulator....

[Poltergeistes]

Did you guys know that Kimi can't work on test simulators because apparently he gets motion sickness? That's a bit of a concern in terms of car development, isn't it?

Yeah i also heard that, had forgotten all about it, i would think it is a little, i mean if ferrari invested so much money on building a new simulator because ours was very inferior compared to mclaren's one, i guess due to the track testing restrictions, it started being a big factor.

I really think fernando will still be the main player on the developments, which was kind of why i was surprised with kimi's return, i'm hoping this means that we know for sure our car and project for 2014 is great, and will put an end to this redbull dominance, cause by what luca has said in the past himself, kimi is not someone who is going to hang around to work extra time with the team if the car is a dog like it has been since the 09 changes.

if we start up with a great car, and not having to catch up big time like we always had to since 09, then we will only have to do "tune ups" like redbull has been doing, from their previous seasons.

[Lucky Dodo]

Yeah i also heard that, had forgotten all about it, i would think it is a little, i mean if ferrari invested so much money on building a new simulator because ours was very inferior compared to mclaren's one, i guess due to the track testing restrictions, it started being a big factor.

I really think fernando will still be the main player on the developments, which was kind of why i was surprised with kimi's return, i'm hoping this means that we know for sure our car and project for 2014 is great, and will put an end to this redbull dominance, cause by what luca has said in the past himself, kimi is not someone who is going to hang around to work extra time with the team if the car is a dog like it has been since the 09 changes.

if we start up with a great car, and not having to catch up big time like we always had to since 09, then we will only have to do "tune ups" like redbull has been doing, from their previous seasons.

Read also this interesting welcome Stafano wrote about Kimi.

[Poltergeistes]

yeah well the 'cliches" as he now puts it, were not just made by the press out of nowhere, this were common jokes we all remember well stefano and luca making, luca even went on to say kimi's twin had taken over for the 2nd half of 2008, meaning simply that once the car and the result's didn't work his way he simply didn't care.

for all his faults, i have to say, i don't think the fans or the press will blame kimi for any of or IF that behavior follows him, if we chose to hire, after we chose to fire him, the first time around ferrari could say he didn't turn out to be what they wanted, now we have to assume they are getting what they know.

I think there might be reasons to beleive the new ferrari is going to be a killer, this is 2 very high paying drivers, with sponsors, with ferrari going all for the fan pleasing pair.

it is the 2 best drivers out there right now, the question is, will they be the best "pair"?

[Tifoso]

yeah well the 'cliches" as he now puts it, were not just made by the press out of nowhere, this were common jokes we all remember well stefano and luca making, luca even went on to say kimi's twin had taken over for the 2nd half of 2008, meaning simply that once the car and the result's didn't work his way he simply didn't care.

for all his faults, i have to say, i don't think the fans or the press will blame kimi for any of or IF that behavior follows him, if we chose to hire, after we chose to fire him, the first time around ferrari could say he didn't turn out to be what they wanted, now we have to assume they are getting what they know.

I think there might be reasons to beleive the new ferrari is going to be a killer, this is 2 very high paying drivers, with sponsors, with ferrari going all for the fan pleasing pair.

it is the 2 best drivers out there right now, the question is, will they be the best "pair"?

Quote.

[Lucky Dodo]

yeah well the 'cliches" as he now puts it, were not just made by the press out of nowhere, this were common jokes we all remember well stefano and luca making, luca even went on to say kimi's twin had taken over for the 2nd half of 2008, meaning simply that once the car and the result's didn't work his way he simply didn't care.

for all his faults, i have to say, i don't think the fans or the press will blame kimi for any of or IF that behavior follows him, if we chose to hire, after we chose to fire him, the first time around ferrari could say he didn't turn out to be what they wanted, now we have to assume they are getting what they know.

I think there might be reasons to beleive the new ferrari is going to be a killer, this is 2 very high paying drivers, with sponsors, with ferrari going all for the fan pleasing pair.

it is the 2 best drivers out there right now, the question is, will they be the best "pair"?

I also remember Luca making those 'jokes', but I can't remember Domenicali doing same. Maybe I remember wrong and you have some example to correct me?

[Nero Horse]

that's OK, we got Nando and Dela Rossa for the simulator....

True, but without the simulator feedback from Kimi it will be difficult for him to get a car that would suit him, or at least I would think so. Then again the current Lotus car isn't bad at all, so hopefully it'll be alright.

[Poltergeistes]

I also remember Luca making those 'jokes', but I can't remember Domenicali doing same. Maybe I remember wrong and you have some example to correct me?

stefano did say kimi was more of a "one word man" he said that after they announced fernando, he didn't say this to highlight kimi's fault but he was talking about the differences between the 2 drivers and what ferrari wanted.

the fact that right before the italian gp stefano said he wanted felipe to stay, he said that very clearly, i really think this isn't stefano's choice, he will be the one working day in and they out with the drivers, i think this came from luca, this is why i think stefano's work will be under the light next season, we've made changes in almost every department since 09, first there were shifts of functions than people got replaced, felipe was now let go, we still lack the car, and with that pair of drivers for next season, i think the italian press will be knocking on stefano.

PS engine department of course will be very looked after also, lots of task for Dom to handle, really a make it or break it season for him, i really hope we have the car, things are pointing towards that, maybe kimi wants to set the record straight about being paid off his contract to make room for alonso.

[Corey]

Wonder if Kimi is going to try and get Andreas Stella back as his race engineer

[Lucky Dodo]

I think that is a given.

[Poltergeistes]

Wonder if Kimi is going to try and get Andreas Stella back as his race engineer

I quite honestly think that it will be a huge task for Smedley to be kimi's race engineer, i'm still not sure it will work, rob is very communicative, and let's not forget he has been working all his 8 years as a race engineer with the same driver, i remember his frustration when he wasn't working with felipe in 09, it wasn't just the lack of pace his side of the garage had, but also the fact it was no longer his little brother he was brilliantly coaching.

With kimi's way of receiving orders from his race engineers, which i find very degrading, i think it's downright disrespectful, as the engineer doesn't talk down to him, i really feel bad for Rob, he deserves a better team player in this regard.

[BlueEyesKimi]

Kimi is bringing Mark Slade with him as his race engineer.

[Poltergeistes]

Kimi is bringing Mark Slade with him as his race engineer.

is he? i thought he just didn't care for his race engineers in general no matter who they are.

[Kingdom Hearts]

Wonder if Kimi is going to try and get Andreas Stella back as his race engineer

I doubt he will want to go with Kimi after being Alonso's engineer.

[Ed Harley]

Kimi is bringing Mark Slade with him as his race engineer.

I hope that will be the case as they seem to work very well together.

[Nova]

But what about Rob?

[Lilani]

is he? i thought he just didn't care for his race engineers in general no matter who they are.

Rumour is Mark Slade will come with Kimi this time. They are very close as Mark Slade used to work with him at Mclaren as well. Kimi wanted to bring him along to Ferrari in 2007 but his request was refused. Lotus hired Mark Slade again, specifically by Kimi's request.

[Lilani]

As a Kimi fan who used to post here and who still reads this forum occasionally, I dont quite understand why Kimi would actually want to return too Ferrari.
I dont think Kimi was ever properly supported by the team, and he was very misunderstood. There is no one to blame in the situation it just seemed like ultimately the cultural divide was to big too overcome. Which makes me wonder why Kimi would return, I dont see anything big that could have changed the situation. I am not sure why Kimi would now suddenly get support, I guess I can only hope that both parties are wiser now to the cultural differences. If Kimi could bring his current race engineer along it will be a good start, and perhaps Smedley could be in line for a promotion, he has been a race engineer for a while now.

I have to give Ferrari credit for the line-up it does take a bit of guts to hire two WDC.

[anialonso]

Hey Guys,
Both Alonso and Kimi are strong competitors and will do their best for Ferrari..
and if you remember when Alonso was going to join us in 2010,everybody said that he and Massa would end up tearing Ferrari apart,but that never happened cause Ferrari managed them very well and they both indeed became very good friends..
The same will happen with Kimi and Alonso,they know that the team interest comes first..
So all the Kimi and Alonso fans,lets get along and avoid the quarrels that are all based on the past..

[Katu]

Well I was a big fan of his old man and always thought Jr. got in too quick with Sr's pull. I still can't believe he kissed that wall just on Flavio's command. So Sr. yes Jr. well too soon just like I felt about your other favorite Whi oh ! Scratch that, I mean Bianchi, I'm worried as all hell about hurting your eyes . Why is he your favorite Brasiliero ?

Do not worry so much, in the mornings I do not wear glasses or contacts, I don't see so good then. Nelsinho is young and cute and I am a woman, not too difficult to understand how I picked him. Anyway you keep your eyes on Di Grassi aswell?

[Katu]

True, but without the simulator feedback from Kimi it will be difficult for him to get a car that would suit him, or at least I would think so. Then again the current Lotus car isn't bad at all, so hopefully it'll be alright.

well in that case, it's possibly his problem. more tracktime perhaps helps

[Katu]

I think that is a given.

why it should be given? just asking

[Hornet]

Hey Guys,
Both Alonso and Kimi are strong competitors and will do their best for Ferrari..
and if you remember when Alonso was going to join us in 2010,everybody said that he and Massa would end up tearing Ferrari apart,but that never happened cause Ferrari managed them very well and they both indeed became very good friends..
The same will happen with Kimi and Alonso,they know that the team interest comes first..
So all the Kimi and Alonso fans,lets get along and avoid the quarrels that are all based on the past..

I'm not worried about that, Kimi's approach of not having much to say about anything basically means he'll get along fine with anyone. But I don't expect Alonso and him to be anything more than team mate, and certainly no pictures of them together outside of promo ones (remember that picture Alonso took with Massa at the airport last year, not happening here I doubt ).

Some of Kimi fans however are completely opposite of Kimi, they seem to have a lot to say about Alonso, McLaren, etc. On Facebook, some of them are already bashing Alonso while cheering on Kimi's return

[Senna4Ever]

Sleeping over this "news" I still can't find any advantage of having Kimi back again. I can't see the advantage. To have two competitive #1 drivers to gain WCC? This is absolutely a pseudo argument as we also gained WCC with (sorry to say) average drivers like Irvine and Barichello.
Let see which team won WDC & WCC with two equal driver with equal treatment?? And if we are honest (and put beside all passion for Ferrari): Kimi wouldn't be Ferrari's last WDC if McLaren wouldn't had this internal team issue which was caused by not handling two alpha wolves! And furthermore I can't see anyone in this team structure who will be strong enough to handle that if it comes to what will happen by nature of our two driver. Stefano?

Ferrari's successful years in the beginning of 00 had three factors for success
- very good driver Schumacher as clear #1
- a team that was absolutely focused on #1 with a team principal who also went to where it hurts if required
- a technical team with sparkling ideas

Does anyone here believe that Schumacher's first thought was: I want WCC for Ferrari and if WDC also possible then fine? Clearly not! It was other way around! It was a fast car where the Schumacher (as a perfect driver) draw circles around the others and where even a average driver was able to score valid points for WCC.

And now it's also obvious why we don't get things done since almost 6 years: our conservative approach of handle things and our lucky hand to shoot ourself into the knee.
Been told that Todt turned over the whole structure to be competitive and therefore brought some fresh and new ideas. Things completely missing now. And as it isn't enough that we don't have any "new spirit" in technical side we hire the second driver with an age over 30. (beside: Dear Luca if you're looking for further people : near my home there is an nursing home and I'm sure there are also some retired mechanics in there ...

Let's face the facts for 2014
two alpha wolves over their 30ies (next year 33 and 34), engaged for Ferrari for next 2 years which will be the last time for them to become WDC in their carrier and especially with Ferrari!
And being in that position (that it will be one of the last chances for each driver) someone at Ferrari believes that those two characters will think about the team first? Of course and both get the Mother Teresa trophy and join doctor's without borders.
and then in two years? What then? Both leaving and then? Complete new two team members where it has to start again?

If Alonso was the problem: Luca should have had the courage to fire him, take Kimi and a young driver
If Alonso wasn't the problem: where would have been the problem to hire a young driver who would have then be able to learn and take over the leadership after Alonso leaving. And especially in Hulkenberg we would have had a chance of a solid 2nd driver for WCC at all.

For me there is only one conclusion in the fact that Ferrari has absolutely NO interest to engage a young fast driver who would take over the responsibility after Alonso and Kimi are leaving: the pre-contract with Bieber is already done. And it will be funny to see how things will turn out then: experienced multi-champion Vettel and beside a young talent from Ferrari academy ... (where do we had such equal a constellation? 2007 McLaren ... )

I hope that those who have done THIS decision will have the courage to take responsibility over their mismanagement and their wrong decision made and the damage brought to FERRARI. I hope that those who opened gate to hell know how to close it and catch the demons released. Nobody should come and say afterwords: sorry but I haven't seen the iceberg coming as they are also home made.

Someone at Ferrari played the sorcerer's apprentice (Goethe)

I have need of Thee!
from the spirits that I called
deliver me!

My opinion ... I will apologize if it went other way around, so I request on the Mods to keep an eye on that an remind me then ... Thank you very much ...
and no I won't stop supporting the TEAM ...

[wacc]

Looking forward to the battle of the caps Welcome back Kimi.

As long as the car is not the fastest one in the field, it is good to have 2 top drivers.

[Tobes]

something tells me this was a decision that came from luca, and not from stefano. i think massa is out of the hot spot, and stefano has been promoted to it.

I think this decision came from higher up than Luca, think the Agnelli family want results now, and care little for any previous spats that may or may not have happened... That is just an opinion...

[Hermann]

I think this decision came from higher up than Luca, think the Agnelli family want results now, and care little for any previous spats that may or may not have happened... That is just an opinion...

Just out of curiosity- won't two 'top drivers' take points off each other?

[Tobes]

Just out of curiosity- won't two 'top drivers' take points off each other?

Possibly, but two top drivers are far more likely to win the WCC...