Kimi = Renault's main priority

[jknight]

The latest update about Kimi and Renault:

Renault F1 team president Alain Dassas has admitted signing Kimi Raikkonen for the 2007 season is the French squad's main priority.

The Finn is believed to be considering offers from both Renault and rivals Ferrari.

Although the world champions are still considering their test driver Heikki Kovalainen for the seat, Dassas admitted their first priority is Raikkonen.

Dassas was quoted as saying by the Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, "It's no secret, Raikkonen is our priority for the 2007 season. We are talking with Raikkonen for an eventual contract."

"If we could find a definitive agreement we'd be very satisfied because that would mean we brought to our team one of the greatest drivers, who by the way is very young and can further improve."

Dassas said Kovalainen's lack of experience was playing against the Finn.

"To have a driver with no experience like [Kovalainen] would be risky. In F1 nowadays you need quick, immediate results, and it could be a problem to obtain them with a debutant," added Dassas.


*** I've believed all along that Kimi and Renault is the game plan, not Kimi and Ferrari as I am a firm believer that Michael will remain racing for Ferrari next year. The man loves his work and excells in what he does. Just because someone is 38 years old doesn't mean their career is finished. A number of very famous racers from the bygone days were still winning well beyond the age of 40.

Carol

[john hersam]

Kimi is the most exciting f1 driver right now. Personally I liked him better before the Mclaren pr people polished him up. I prefered his one word answers to the short sentences he now gives. But his driving is 2nd to no one including Shumi. I would give me eye teeth to see Kimi and Schumi in the same car for a season.
But alas I disagree with you that in bygone era's drivers drove past 40. That is true. But F1 cars now are infinately more physical to drive at the limit. 5.5 gs in the turns making F1 a young mans game now.

[Koby]

I wonder if the offer he's looking for from Ferrari is for Schumacher to retire? With B'stone being to sole tire supplier, Ferrari should have an advantage next year, but Kimi certainly is too good to play #2 to anyone.

[kirill]

Originally Posted by john hersam

5.5 gs in the turns making F1 a young mans game now.

Don't worry - Mosley will change it.