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Raikkonen guarantee for the presence of Mercedes
It is considered almost certain that Kimi Raikkonen will be a McLaren driver in 2010. However, the conclusion has been reached after a long time and it will definitely be done after Abu Dhabi. But two obstacles must be overcome.
The first and most worrying, is the relationship between McLaren and Mercedes. The German manufacturer has assured of their presence until the end of their contract, ie until 2011. In fact, Raikkonen got the assurance that the Woking team is fully supported by Mercedes until the end of his contract. This ensures two years of Mercedes's presence in the backing of the Woking team.
The second question is concerning the Mercedes engine, which might lose its dominance in 2010. The Finn is seeking technical guarantees from the manufacturer, guarantees that have been slow to come. On the McLaren side, their charge during 2009 convinced the world champion about their ability to return to the front of the stage.
For the contract, Mercedes-Benz offered the same contract that had been proposed to Kimi Raikkonen in 2006 to keep him in 2007 and 2008 in McLaren alongside Fernando Alonso. A concrete contract, for two seasons, with technical and sporting guaranteed fairness. Which should comfort everyone.
http://www.tomorrownewsf1.com/f1-mcl...-mercedes-8624
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Kimi has now confirmed that his only option is McLaren. Ha hasnt even talked to Toyota. Things should be clear in a few days.
Source: Finnish MTV3
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So after this weekend we know if Kimi is in F1 business next year or not...
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Raikkonen: McLaren the only option..
29.10.2009 13:56
... Kimi Räikkönen told MTV3 that McLaren team is his only option for the employer. (Google translated :b) ...
More info in couple of days (if not earlier) after the Dubai race.. I think the McLaren’s decision will also give info about Kovalainen’s future..
http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/f1/uutise...2009/10/985468
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I do want Kimi at Mclaren, but he's got to lower his expectations a bit in terms of salary. he's already getting 27mill from Ferrari and should accept a reasonable salary from the macs. He'd still be the highest paid driver by miles and in championship caliber team.
If his manager continues to play hardball then I think the Mclaren will look elsewhere to fill that slot, possibly sutil, heidfeld or retaining kovy.
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I don't think Kimi's manager can play hardball....he's one of f1's top talents but he needs to have a salary on par with Hamilton...not the unrealistic amount they were paying him @ ferrari
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The deal is done, Kimi wouldn't say anything about Mclaren being his only option, if the deal wasn't already done he always counts his words very carefully. This is almost as good as a confirmation, you will not get any clearer then that from Kimi. It has been reported that the announcement could be made on Tuesday.
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I'll believe it when it is reported in The Bild.
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Ohh man a Raikkonen Hamilton pairing, for sure the best on the grid! Montreal better get their together ,so that I have the possibility of seeing this power house next year :D
