Kimi confirmed

[Hornet]

I believe the top teams are aimed at WDC. WCC comes naturally when you have the fast car. In addition to what Senna4Ever mentioned, current Red Bull campaign is another good example where despite Webber's poor season this year, the WCC still belongs to Red Bull simply because they have the fastest car. Doesn't matter if Vettel was scoring the bulk of the points, what matters is that he was winning, and the point system have been design to reward the winner in such a way that if you are winning, you are already taking a huge load of points for the team. Your team mate just need to consistently score points as well.

In my opinion, the idea of having two strong drivers is not the be all and end all. If you do not have a car capable of winning, you will still lose the WCC no matter how many Alonso or Schumi you have. So, Ferrari already have the driver to charge for the WDC, what we need for the second seat (IMO), is a hardworking driver who can contribute more than just driving a car. If Alonso have the car to win the WDC next year, I would bet that we can easily take the WCC with Massa or Hulkenberg as well. It's not like Massa is having trouble finishing a race, he is scoring points, he just doesn't have the car to do more just as Alonso doesn't have the car to win.

Why did Ferrari rehire Kimi remains a mystery to me, but I guess in time we will find out. I do not doubt that Luca and co. have the team's best interest in mind of course (I do not buy the idea that Luca is doing this to show Alonso who's the boss or any weird reasons like that). I'm sure he believed Kimi is the best among the available options to help the team get back to its winning ways. What Luca see in Kimi, or believe Kimi can offer, that is something that intrigues me and I want to know, though I understand that Luca may never fully reveal it to the public.

[Suzie]

the fact that right before the italian gp stefano said he wanted felipe to stay, he said that very clearly

Yeah well the decision was made during the early part of the summer about Felipe, so either Stefano was telling fibs or he was saying that in retrospect. Then again he also said the next Ferrari driver would be someone younger so he told lies about that as well.

I won't pretend to like either of Ferrari's 2014 drivers but as an F1 fan it will be interesting to see the battle between them. In a way this move does seem a bit 'do or die' in so much as they have tried the number 1/number 2 thing and now are going all out with 2 'roosters'. If that tactic doesn't work then I am not sure where Ferrari can go after that. Does somehow feel that they have never really recovered from losing Schumacher. It will be very weird for me as my favourites are Irvine, Schumacher and Massa so next year will be the first time since I started supporting Ferrari that I haven't had 'my' driver driving for them. Going to be difficult for sure

As for all the chat about Rob being Kimi's engineer, as has been said on other threads, he has said in the past that he'd move to a different role. I've just read a rumour on Twitter from an Italian tweeter that he could go to a higher profile role at Williams but that would seem like a weird move

[ishkash]

I am a Kimi fan.

I am very disappointed with his decision to return to Ferrari. I don't think he is a kind of personality that fits the Ferrari culture. But I am respectful of that fact that decision makers at Ferrari and Kimi are professionals and know much more details than us fans who go by what mostly is projected via Media.

I am not a fan of Alonso. But, I think he is a great racer and without a doubt the best "overall" driver on the grid at the moment. He has that burning desire to win at all costs, it makes him a ruthless and feared competitor (I guess that's how he wants to be seen going by corny Samurai quotes).

I don't think Kimi on 'talent' alone can match him. Although Kimi is a much more improved racer since his comeback in F1, but I can't see him beating a more communicative Alonso at Ferrari. (This is based on assumption that in Ferrari you have to be friends and family with your working colleagues, at least a preferred way of working). Don't get me wrong, its a culture that they have cultivated and I respect it, but just not suited for a personality like Kimi Raikkonen.

However, since his comeback Kimi has shown a great desire and focus to win the championship again, getting Mark Slade along is a proof of otherwise previously I-don't-care Kimi (that's a popular to the degree of stereotyping narrative that is loved, isn't it?). I think he senses that the ultimate way he can redeem himself from the smear campaign he faced in late 2008 to mid 2009, is by beating a "great" driver in an equal car.

Let's see. I hope this is fruitful, but if previous limited knowledge of things is to go by... Yes Kimi, this seems like a "stupid" decision.

However, I am delightfully looking ahead to say (if it is allowed for those who leave with drivers) ...

Forza Ferrari (in 2014)

[Sianellen]

I think it will be very interesting to see the two of them in the same team, especially if both are challenging for the championship.

[Hermann]

I am a Kimi fan.

I am very disappointed with his decision to return to Ferrari. I don't think he is a kind of personality that fits the Ferrari culture. But I am respectful of that fact that decision makers at Ferrari and Kimi are professionals and know much more details than us fans who go by what mostly is projected via Media.

I am not a fan of Alonso. But, I think he is a great racer and without a doubt the best "overall" driver on the grid at the moment. He has that burning desire to win at all costs, it makes him a ruthless and feared competitor (I guess that's how he wants to be seen going by corny Samurai quotes).

I don't think Kimi on 'talent' alone can match him. Although Kimi is a much more improved racer since his comeback in F1, but I can't see him beating a more communicative Alonso at Ferrari. (This is based on assumption that in Ferrari you have to be friends and family with your working colleagues, at least a preferred way of working). Don't get me wrong, its a culture that they have cultivated and I respect it, but just not suited for a personality like Kimi Raikkonen.

However, since his comeback Kimi has shown a great desire and focus to win the championship again, getting Mark Slade along is a proof of otherwise previously I-don't-care Kimi (that's a popular to the degree of stereotyping narrative that is loved, isn't it?). I think he senses that the ultimate way he can redeem himself from the smear campaign he faced in late 2008 to mid 2009, is by beating a "great" driver in an equal car.

Let's see. I hope this is fruitful, but if previous limited knowledge of things is to go by... Yes Kimi, this seems like a "stupid" decision.

However, I am delightfully looking ahead to say (if it is allowed for those who leave with drivers) ...

Forza Ferrari (in 2014)

Very well written Sir. Great post

Only that i don't think he is going to 'beat Fernando'. If nothing else happens next year, we could as well cheer for our favourites

And before someone jumps in, yes i'm aware this is a Ferrari forum and the team comes first, but i see no reason why we couldn't also have a little fun.

[Ken]

Yeah well the decision was made during the early part of the summer about Felipe, so either Stefano was telling fibs or he was saying that in retrospect. Then again he also said the next Ferrari driver would be someone younger so he told lies about that as well.

I won't pretend to like either of Ferrari's 2014 drivers but as an F1 fan it will be interesting to see the battle between them. In a way this move does seem a bit 'do or die' in so much as they have tried the number 1/number 2 thing and now are going all out with 2 'roosters'. If that tactic doesn't work then I am not sure where Ferrari can go after that. Does somehow feel that they have never really recovered from losing Schumacher. It will be very weird for me as my favourites are Irvine, Schumacher and Massa so next year will be the first time since I started supporting Ferrari that I haven't had 'my' driver driving for them. Going to be difficult for sure

As for all the chat about Rob being Kimi's engineer, as has been said on other threads, he has said in the past that he'd move to a different role. I've just read a rumour on Twitter from an Italian tweeter that he could go to a higher profile role at Williams but that would seem like a weird move

Love the post and agree with it in every respect, also the question mark over Rob's future in Ferrari.
can he work with Kimi ?, or will he be forced to move on ?.

[radosav]

Love the post and agree with it in every respect, also the question mark over Rob's future in Ferrari.
can he work with Kimi ?, or will he be forced to move on ?.

Rob is going to Williams , Slade is coming to Ferrari! Don't have source !

[Suzie]

That's only rumours, and Rob is not only capable of being a race engineer, just because Kimi could bring his own engineer doesn't mean that Rob would be out on his ear.

[Ed Harley]

There is a speculation that Mr Massa and Mr Smedley would be heading to Williams - allthough the forums are filled with mostly speculations and rumours. Why would Mr Smedley leave SF?

[Greig]

There is a speculation that Mr Massa and Mr Smedley would be heading to Williams - allthough the forums are filled with mostly speculations and rumours. Why would Mr Smedley leave SF?

Maybe he wants to return home? Maybe Williams are offering him a bigger career step than Ferrari are? Could be all manner of reasons.

[Suzie]

Promotion? More money? Wanting to move back to the UK? Who knows.
Nice idea that Rob and Felipe would go together to a different team but can't see it happening.

[Senna4Ever]

Nice idea that Rob and Felipe would go together to a different team but can't see it happening.

Don't want Rob to go away
But on the other hand: I can't imagine those both ever split in terms of working condition. I mean: they are like Batman & Robin. Something that doesn't feel right if divided. They are more than only a driver & his race engineer to me it seems.

[sagi58]

I don't remember who first posted that Rob Smedley felt he was coming to a "natural end" in his career as an engineer, so I googled it!
This is what I found and although it is dated August 2011, it would seem that this is where that comment originated.

Thought I might post it, as it seems that Smedley has been giving "today" a lot of thought!

Rob Smedley talks future plans and charity dinners on BBC Tees

...New challenges
Next, the conversation turned to a subject that Rob was expecting - what would happen if Felipe left the team. Would Rob follow Massa to whichever team he chose next, and where might that be?

I’m contracted to Ferrari, not Felipe. We have a good working relationship and I enjoy working with him, he’s a good lad. I think it’s a very easy working relationship, that’s why it’s lasted so long. But Felipe’s his own man, and I’m my own man. I’m contracted to Ferrari until the end of 2012.

From what they tell me, they’ve got plans for me, whether they’re good and bad. To be honest, I’m coming to the end of my career as a race engineer. I don’t want to be the oldest race engineer in the pitlane. I’m not at the minute. I think it’s probably gonna be time, towards the end of next year or this year, that I start doing something else.

You need new challenges and you need to have a different outlook on things, different responsibilities and whatnot. I think Ferrari are quite happy for me to do something like that... I wouldn’t follow him to a team, I think I’m coming to the natural end of that part of my career, and it’s time to move onwards and upwards...

Full interview here: http://sidepodcast.com/post/rob-smed...rs-on-bbc-tees

[racingbradley]

There is a speculation that Mr Massa and Mr Smedley would be heading to Williams - allthough the forums are filled with mostly speculations and rumours. Why would Mr Smedley leave SF?

There could be something in that because Ross Brawn has allegedly bought Toto Wolff's shares at Williams. Now Brawn began his F1 life at Williams so.......and Pat Symonds has returned there, so the rumours could have some truth in them.............

http://www.auto123.com/en/racing-news/f1-new-rumour-links-ross-brawn-to-toto-wolffs-williams-share?artid=159628[/url]


Like Suzie said , I too will find it strange supporting Ferrari but not having a favourite driver there. I have been a fan of Gilles, Prost, Alesi, Eddie, Michael and Felipe. I guess that it will be fun watching the two cockerels fight each other. Hey Ho.

My 2nd team are Lotus but if Bert & Ernie appear at Williams now that could all change.

[Confused Lotus]

Hello forum dudes! I could not resist joining the forum since I am probably the largest Kimi fan in my village in Northern Norway!

I'm kind of nonplussed at Kimi going to Ferrari, but I'll try my best to become a fan. I started loving Kimi after joining Lotus where both he and the team were kind of crazy. I never thought team Ferrari had much humor, but after signing Kimi I take it as a sign things might change.

One thing I do not like are the words from Kimi commenting his change of teams. No way on earth did he write or really mean what he said. I could be wrong, but that sounded like PR bullcrap to me. Anyways. Cheers Ferrari people. Take good care of Kimi. It will be fun and interesting no matter what. I look forward to him not doing slip streaming tows of Fernando :)

[theforce]

Signing Kimi can mean that Ferrari already know that the 2014 car is not competitive, so much so that they need two WDC to drag it to the finish line. Without a decent car, Ferrari are just running two expensive drivers. Nevetheless, looking forward to Fernando-Kimi battles!

[Jas]

Hello forum dudes! I could not resist joining the forum since I am probably the largest Kimi fan in my village in Northern Norway!

I'm kind of nonplussed at Kimi going to Ferrari, but I'll try my best to become a fan. I started loving Kimi after joining Lotus where both he and the team were kind of crazy. I never thought team Ferrari had much humor, but after signing Kimi I take it as a sign things might change.

One thing I do not like are the words from Kimi commenting his change of teams. No way on earth did he write or really mean what he said. I could be wrong, but that sounded like PR bullcrap to me. Anyways. Cheers Ferrari people. Take good care of Kimi. It will be fun and interesting no matter what. I look forward to him not doing slip streaming tows of Fernando :)

just don't become a kimi bot please...aka a person who is narrow minded and will insult anyone at any cost to ensure the word of kim is upheld, welcome to the site!

[F2002]

Signing Kimi can mean that Ferrari already know that the 2014 car is not competitive, so much so that they need two WDC to drag it to the finish line. Without a decent car, Ferrari are just running two expensive drivers. Nevetheless, looking forward to Fernando-Kimi battles!

Perhaps it's the complete opposite.

[Greig]

Signing Kimi can mean that Ferrari already know that the 2014 car is not competitive, so much so that they need two WDC to drag it to the finish line. Without a decent car, Ferrari are just running two expensive drivers. Nevetheless, looking forward to Fernando-Kimi battles!

I doubt Ferrari know the real performance of our car, nevermind our rivals.

[Confused Lotus]

just don't become a kimi bot please...aka a person who is narrow minded and will insult anyone at any cost to ensure the word of kim is upheld, welcome to the site!

Don't worry. I already like Alonso too. He seems to be a japanophile like me. I would compare myself to ninja and not a samurai though ;p Anyways. Is this how all new members are treated? As potential crazy people.

[LF1Torsion]

Hello All, A Kimi fan here, although probably one of the more moderate ones. Hope we have a very exciting 2014 season. Look forward to being part of the TSN community.

[Hermann]

Don't worry. I already like Alonso too. He seems to be a japanophile like me. I would compare myself to ninja and not a samurai though ;p Anyways. Is this how all new members are treated? As potential crazy people.

No, its just that since yesterday there was some kind of troll invasion here, so the long time members might have become a bit suspicious.

[bonzo]

Luca's decisions schedule for 2014:
- improve design team>rehire Rory
- improve aero team>hire Allison
- improve drivers team>rehire Kimi
- improve team leadership>?????? (may be next decision come season end)

[Lucky Dodo]

why it should be given? just asking

As you've probably already read, it is NOT givem, but instead Kimi is bringing Mark Slade along with him.
As to Kimi's 'rude' behaviour towards his engineers I don't think he has ever told anyone they are idiots at least.

[Greig]

As you've probably already read, it is NOT givem, but instead Kimi is bringing Mark Slade along with him.
As to Kimi's 'rude' behaviour towards his engineers I don't think he has ever told anyone they are idiots at least.

You can support Kimi without attacking other drivers, do at least try it.

[Ed Harley]

As you've probably already read, it is NOT givem, but instead Kimi is bringing Mark Slade along with him.
As to Kimi's 'rude' behaviour towards his engineers I don't think he has ever told anyone they are idiots at least.

Mr Raikkonen does not seem to be very appreciated here and that seems to apply to his fans as well so this seems to be good to bear in mind when commenting. Just an observation.

[Confused Lotus]

No, its just that since yesterday there was some kind of troll invasion here, so the long time members might have become a bit suspicious.

Ok. No worries! Looking forward to seeing how the Scuderia, Fernando and Kimi will live together.

[Ed Harley]

Mr Raikkonen does not seem to be very appreciated here and that seems to apply to his fans as well so this seems to be good to bear in mind when commenting. Just an observation.

That had a lot of "seems".

[Katu]

As you've probably already read, it is NOT givem, but instead Kimi is bringing Mark Slade along with him.
As to Kimi's 'rude' behaviour towards his engineers I don't think he has ever told anyone they are idiots at least.

i asked why do you think it should be given and is it confirmed that he brings Mark Slade with him?
i though it was either 'silly' or 'genius', don't twist words here

[Greig]

Mr Raikkonen does not seem to be very appreciated here and that seems to apply to his fans as well so this seems to be good to bear in mind when commenting. Just an observation.

Are you just going to moan and whinge about this forum forever? If you don't like it you can leave.

You can put that in your signature as well if it makes you feel better.