Alonso is a great driver, but I'm not sure he would fancy competing against Raikkonen, or even Massa. There is a chance he could leave, so that would allow Alonso the chance of a move. For me, Raikkonen's career has been slightly disappointing. He wasted is time at McLaren, and although he now seems to have shown more effort at Ferrari, his retirement would be typical of is former self. Not many people have been gifted with the speed Raikkonen has, it's a real shame that he could throw it away completely.
Taking Michael Schumacher down to the wire the one year McLaren built him a top 2 car and he was a team leader was wasting his time?
Raikkonen was happy to gurn that his car was never fast enough. He wasn't quite so good at coming up at solutions on the test track. His physical fitness was also pretty shabby for a Formula One driver. He seems to have turned a corner at Ferrari, a team at which he can win more titles. If he wants to give up Formula One, that's his choice, but it will be a loss for Ferrari and the fans.
Im with you on this on Mclaren Fan. Nobody can deny that Kimi doesn't have amazing natural talent, many of his greatest races and qually laps have been due to his ability to find something extra. But for me he's in a bit of a time warp :S seems much like the James Hunt era. He's mainly interested in the high life and the booze (lol) rather than updating the car and pushing for his improvement. If he had put the work in, im sure he would have improved tht 04 and 06 Mclarens and challenged for the title. Instead he just seemed to expect the cars would be competitive without any extra work by himself. Also 06 I think he was Ferrari bound and wasn't interested once it became clear he couldn't fight for the title.
Im not a massive fan of Kimi, I find him quite boring, but that's not denying his ability to drive... thts why he's champion. Let him retire if he wants... he can fall off boats drunk and do whatever he does... ride bikes against Mark Blundell?
Certainly i'm surprised Fernando Alonso would sign for Ferrari, especially after the Monza 06 episode. However Luca did praise the hell out of him at the end of last season. I know it was just a mere pop at Mclaren, but look at the Driver market for 2010? Alonso's probs the driver i'd go for, he's the best available.
Why?
Double world champion
Effective car developer (something Ferrari will need with Lewis and Heikki probs getting to grips with developing tht Mclaren by 2011)
I think Kubica, Vettel and Rosberg have amazing talent, but I don't think much is going to change.
I see Kubica staying at BMW at least till 2011. Vettel will probs sign a two year deal at red bull.
And I have this sneaky feeling we'll see Rosberg in a BMW...