Santander confirms switch to Ferrari for 2010

absolutely

 

+1 They know who's the better team in F1... Great move!

 

I think we should see how, our drivers do in their remaining 2 seasons at the team, before we assume that Fernando will be joining in 2011. But this does bear a few question, if Fernando doesn't join the team in 2011 then does that mean Santander will no longer sponser Ferrari? And does this mean that Santander will only sponser Ferrari if they promise that Fernando will be signed... surely they can't do that can they?

 

they're certainly doing everything they can to put mclaren down

 

Yes, they can.

 

No, Fernando to Ferrari in 2010 together with Santander.

 

Do you really think that Santander should give Ferrari even 1 euro if the deal didn't include Fernando to drive one of the Ferrari's? I don't.

 

Agree, although I still fancy Vettel.

 

I wonder who is going to leave. Kimi has to step up now. Perhaps it's too late.

This cements Alonso's coming to Ferrari more than anything. Santander wouldn't even consider Ferrari without an Alonso drive clause. I respect Alonso's burning desire and abilities on the track and he is the best all-around talent in F1 . I detest his actions off of it.

Alonso + Ferrari. Its a done deal.

 

I think if Ferrari remains to be competitive in 2009 and the new F1 era, Kimi will announce his retirement at Monza '09 and will do so as the 2009 WDC (I hope). Alonso will then join Ferrari as Massa's teammate for 2010 and will win the 2010 WDC. As a result of it, Massa will leave Ferrari at the end of 2010 for another team. The line up for 2011-2013 at Ferrari will then be Alonso and Vettel with Alonso retiring at the end of 2013. Why and how ? because by 2011, Alonso will have mellowed out and matured a lot more and willing to co-exist with Vettel as his F1 career comes to an end.

Needless to say, there will be plenty of conspiracy theory surrounding Kimi's retirement and Massa's departure from the team.

 

Word is Alonso is securing a Sicilian connection to make sure of an empty seat at Ferrari if contract requiremants are not met.

 

I would also love to see Vettel in a factory Ferrari seat. I haven't been a big Alonso fan in the past because of his attitude, but this last season kinda turned me around about him.

 

+10^6

Absolutely.

 

If they are going to get rid of Kimi then it was a waste really, they might as well of kept Michael on for a season longer. If i'm honest i'm not too keen on Fernando coming the the team, i think Kimi and Felipe can both match him for pace and if Kimi gets his act together then he will win more titles with the team. So whats the problem?

 

I think both drivers will at least see out their contract.

 

Had FA been in a Ferrari this year he would be a 3 x WDC now.

 

+1 Agree

 

I am with you.. I think the last thing we need on the team is a whinning pre-Madonna that will eventually tear apart the chemistry the team are starting to develop... Sorry, no love for Alonzo... I think too many team mistakes cost Massa the title and a SEVERE lack of focus from Kimi held him back.. Not to take anything away from Lewis, but if there was any consistancy with Ferrari this year we should have taken the title home again...

 

Indeed, no doubt in that!

I'm also convinced that alonso will go to Ferrari now. But when? didnt Kimi sign a deal to stay until 2011 and so did massa? I suppose Kimi will get the sack if one has to go early to make way for alonso...simply because he is less motivated that massa to go for multiple championships. Massive shame, as he is greatly underestimated (especially with his humor, most people just dont get him but its hilarious).

 

What are contracts worth in F1?

 

IMO, if Kimi screw up again last season, Alonso will replace him at the Scuderia.

 

They are worth quite a lot. It would cost Ferrari a considerable amount of money to get rid of Kimi before the end of his contract.

 

indeed.

50 million is a lot of money, if ferrari has to buy him out in place of alonso. If massa is considerably cheaper than kimi it would make more sense (money wise) for ferrari to replace him.

 

Santander has stated this year more than once that an alignment with Alonso is ideal but not required for a partnership. They could have left Mclaren when Alonso departed but stayed and were quite pleased with the arrangement they had. This could indicate Alonso has something of a deal with Ferrari but plenty of executive level personnel(including LDM), have denied quickly and loudly that he does not.

With the bank stating they dont NEED this arrangement with Alonso, I see this as the bank getting its best deal for the most exposure of its service via Ferrari. I dont think its automatic in any way Alonso is going to Ferrari.