Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Ferrari cast doubt over Raikkonen

Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen
Fernando Alonso (left) is being widely tipped to replace Kimi Raikkonen (right)

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo says Kimi Raikkonen is not guaranteed to drive for the team next season.

Di Montezemolo said the team would retain Felipe Massa, who is recovering from a fractured skull sustained in a crash at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

He added: "Otherwise, we are mulling the best choice but we still have time. We will decide in a few weeks."

It is widely believed in Formula 1 that Ferrari have already agreed a deal for Fernando Alonso to join them in 2010.

Both Raikkonen and Massa are under contract to Ferrari for next year, but the Italian team have been looking at ways of moving the Finn on to another team.

Massa is recovering at home in Brazil and Ferrari are planning on the basis that he will be fit to return for the start of next season.

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Montezemolo said: "We will have a Brazilian driver (Massa) because he deserves another chance given that, thank God, he is fine."

Two-time world champion Alonso's expected switch from Renault has been considered an open secret with the sport for the last few months, although Di Montezemolo's comments on Wednesday would appear to suggest that it is not yet a done deal.

Raikkonen, 29, has been linked with former team McLaren or championship leaders Brawn for next year in media reports.

The Finish driver won the world championship by a point in his first season with Ferrari in 2007 but last year he finished third and this season stands fifth behind the Brawn and Red Bull drivers with four races of 2009 remaining.

Giancarlo Fisichella is currently driving for Ferrari in place of Massa alongside Raikkonen.

The Italian, who moved from Force India after the Belgian Grand Prix to replace Massa's initial stand-in Luca Badoer, will be the team's reserve driver next season.

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