Domenicali pretty much confirms Alonso to Ferrari?

[raceman]

silly season continues.....

they seem to enjoy putting public at confusion and get some media notice

lols

[ringo]

Kimi has a contract but he didn,t say with whom.
It could be Toyota which seems kind of likely since the car has the speed but doesnt have the driver.
Or it could even be for ferrari in the form of a fiat rally car.

[WhiteBlue]

I do not agree with the conclusion from Domenicali's comment. At first look it seems to be a rethink of the old Ferrari strategy of buying suitable race drivers when they are matured elsewhere. That is not likely to change. It makes sense for reserve drivers though in the 2009 Massa or 1999 Schumacher situation.

The Alonso/Ferrari situation was pretty clear before Hungary. The Alonso 2011 contract was advanced to replace Kimi due to Kimi's lack of results compared to Massa. Massa's accident changed the options, not the fact that Alonso will go there.

There were reports last Sunday that Massa has remaining problems from his eye injury. He claims that he is back to 95% of vision. I would say that it could be difficult for Ferrari to assess their 2010 driver situation in time for Monza. So Kimi's position will be decided by Massa making a full recovery or not. It is difficult to say how long that decision will take.

It is also interesting to see Kimi bringing in stronger results from the moment of Massa's accident. It is like a change of motivation has come over Kimi. To me it appears that he is driving with a new purpose. With this development I can imagine that an Alonso/Kimi pairing could happen, should the need arise.

If Massa comes back in 2010 I don't see Kimi staying in F1. He may say so but his reputation would get a huge hit and switching to Rally would be a conveniant way to avoid diskussing his sacking by Ferrari.

[gcdugas]

Does anyone remember when Kimi joined Ferrari that everyone was scoffing at them for retaining Felipe and that he would soon be ditched after one season and that Kimi would thoroughly dust him? Well, whatever happened to those experts?

[The FOZ]

http://www.f1technical.net/news/13217

Massa's tests have gone very well, there should be nothing medically preventing a comeback, which will be dictated by how well he can return to peak physical condition.

I expect Alonso to Ferrari will be announced at Monza.

[sknguy]

I agree with your synopsis. Except this:

He may say so but his reputation would get a huge hit and switching to Rally would be a conveniant way to avoid diskussing his sacking by Ferrari.

Kimi's too good a driver not to be given good offers. Even if Ferrari paid him out. Kimi may sometimes lack motivation, but he's still a world champion and a top tire driver. But, if Massa'a recovery is successful it'll likely be a Massa/Alonso pairing for 2010. If not? Then Raikkonen/Alonso.

Good luck to Massa. I really want to see him on track again.