Kimi leaving Ferrari?

[peteskar]

Will Kimi Leave Ferrari for WRC. Is that a step down or sideways?

[DaveKillens]

Considering that to be a driver in Formula One is the top step of the driving profession, leaving has to be considered a step down. And to be a Ferrari driver, only double the step down. But that's from a professional viewpoint.
If Kimi does leave Formula One for something different, most likely it is because he wants to. Once you have enough money in your account, then you can go out and pursue personal happiness.
Eric Clapton does not feel the need to stand front and center. Many times during his long career, he was happy just hanging around the background, unnoticed.

[The FOZ]

Far be it to say he's ever seemed passionate about anything, but it seems that he really is indifferent about F1 this year...now maybe that's the Finnish demeanor, but he really, really doesn't seem interested in any of it.

Maybe he's been there, done that, made the mega bucks, and now he's going to pursue other challenges. Which really, I can't fault him for.

Some people like winning the same game over and over, some people want new challenges to surmount. I don't think either approach is right or wrong.

[wesley123]

Well, the idea sounds stupid, a driver leaving f1 for wrc, but i am sure to see kimi do that.

Kimi loves driving, fact.
Kimi hates the press etc., fact.
In WRC there is less press etc., fact.
Driving in WRC is far more challenging, fact.
Kimi is doing --- on formula 1 ofr more then a year now, fact.
Alonso is signed for ferrari, though not confirmed we all are petty sure he will.

Enough reasons for kimi to go to the WRC, and actually why not? if you see what previous finnish rally drivers have managed to do in WRC, it is worth a try.

I actually see Citroen signing him or kimi using a privateer car.

@Davekillens: kimi leaving f1 cna definately not been seen as a downstep, i mean people like us think it is the top of motorsport, but afterall you do the job you like the most, same for the drivers, if they didnt like it anymore they would left, or they do it for the bucks. Kimi doesnt like his job anymore and goes and do another job, pretty normal imo, afterall you have to make fun of your life as you only live once, so still driving f1 would simply be boring for him and no a challenge anymore, he had done what he wanted to achieve and wants a new challenge, wich he can do in WRC(maybe the fiorst F1 and WRC champ?)

[donskar]

If Kimi moves to WRC and does so by his own choice, and is happy with his choice, then it is a step UP.

[jonathan189]

I think realistically its curtains for Kimi with Alonso joining Ferrari in 2010. Sad news as I rate Kimi as one of the most talented drivers we have seen this decade.

I don't think Ferrari would drop Massa in the near future because he is a great brand with millions of fans, especially in Brazil.

[wesley123]

If Kimi moves to WRC and does so by his own choice, and is happy with his choice, then it is a step UP.

and that was my point actually :p

[bhallg2k]

While I think it's entirely possible that Raikkonen gets replaced next year at Ferrari by Alonso, I don't think he'll leave F1. I'd be willing to bet that he ends up at Brawn as Button's teammate.

He seemingly fits the Brawn atmosphere as a no-nonsense, get-on-with-it sort of driver. His smooth and collected driving style is also similar to Button's, which could help the team improve development.

Or maybe I just really want to see those two compete in equal machinery.

[safeaschuck]

While I think it's entirely possible that Raikkonen gets replaced next year at Ferrari by Alonso, I don't think he'll leave F1. I'd be willing to bet that he ends up at Brawn as Button's teammate.

He seemingly fits the Brawn atmosphere as a no-nonsense, get-on-with-it sort of driver. His smooth and collected driving style is also similar to Button's, which could help the team improve development.

Or maybe I just really want to see those two compete in equal machinery.

That would be a very interesting outcome, I have my fingers crossed, I think Rubens has dome enough to get another year though and I'm sure he would be cheaper than Kimi.

If Kimi was to defect to the WRC I'm sure Fiat could organise a car for him, if they were so inclined

[ISLAMATRON]

cant believe that SOB is making $53 mil a year

WRC is really cool... if I was a top driver and had the opportunity I'd definitely give it a try

Loeb should have tried his hand in F1 a couple 3 years ago

[jonathan189]

I think there's very little chance of Barrichello driving for Brawn next year. The question is: why blow a huge amount of money on Kimi when Bruno Senna is waiting in the wings? I suspect Senna will drive for Brawn next year.

[bjpower]

with all the crap recently could you blame him.
without opening up a can of worms about kimi etc.

so far this year he has a crap car.
hes had the whole well you wont be driving for F1 we'll go set up own race.
wait no we are back in f1.
oh wait max might run again.so we might set up own own thing in 2011


the fans are sick of the crap
I can only imagine whats its like for any one whos working in the sport.

its bad enough that the guy cant go on the piss without a big deal being made of it.
its made out like hes an alco in the press.

[Conceptual]

Kimi in a Red Bull in 2010?

That could walk him into a Citroen in 2011 WRC...

[donskar]

It suddenly occurs to me (duh), what to make of Ferrari/Fiat allowing Kimi to compete in rallies? Surely his contract would forbid such dangerous activities?

Leads me to believe the parting (assuming it happens) is amicable.

[Ted68]

From the thread "Silly season 2010":

I don't tend to get involved in driver discussions, but a lot of you have kept Kimi at Ferrari, I am sure he won't be there (or in F1) next year, expect Alonso to take his place.

So is Dave suggesting that Kimi will join Delaney & Bonnie next year?