TODT: Raikkonen's Character Fit Ferrari The Best

In an interview appearing in Autosport.com from Germany's publication Auto Motor Und Sport, Todt stated he believes Kimi will stay the duration of his contract. He also stated that Kimi's personality better suited Ferrari than any other driver, including Alonso.

The article:

By Jonathan Noble Friday, January 4th 2008, 11:30 GMT


Ferrari CEO Jean Todt is confident that Kimi Raikkonen is committed to his future at Ferrari, as he plays down suggestions that the Finn could simply walk away from Formula One.

Raikkonen said at the end of last season that he could not see himself growing 'old' in F1, prompting talk that the Finn could be tempted to leave the sport sooner rather than later.

But speaking in an interview with German publication Auto Motor Und Sport, Todt has said he reckons Raikkonen is fully content with life at Ferrari.

When asked by the publication how big was the danger that Raikkonen could terminate his career before the end of his contract, Todt said: "I am sure, as far as one can be sure in this point, that Kimi is happy with Ferrari.

"He loves driving. We know that he does not like certain things, and that is why we don't request those of him.

"Racing drivers are only employees, but they are the workers with the most pressure. If they do not function right, then that has far larger consequence for the company than if the receptionist does not do a good job.

"Therefore I try to arrange the life of the drivers to be as pleasant as possible. Up to now I can say that always, if we asked gently Kimi to do something, he did it."

Although Todt feels there is little to choose between the talents of Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso, he thinks the Finn's character is far better suited to Ferrari.

"Kimi has ranked for five or six years as one of the best drivers. Therefore, I never understood the people who were disappointed by his achievements in the first half of the season.

"Is Kimi better or worse than Alonso? I cannot answer that. For me, both are excellent race drivers. It is the car that makes the difference. I selected Kimi, because his character fits our team better."

 

Actually no, this discussion had to do with Schumacher's replacement, Massa was already on the team. And Massa is actually closer to the team than Raikkonen, but that does not assure anything. Performance keeps a driver in the fold at Ferrari. Not to say Kimi is not liked now that he is WDC, but their personalities are quite different. There is no way to compare Massa to Raikkonen as of yet. 2008 will tell that story.

Massa is Brazilian but of Italian decent, speaks Italian, etc. Has much culturally in common with the Italian team members. Also close to Todt for business reasons. Kimi is, well Kimi. Speaks only Finnish (better Finish), and his version of English. Vodka is not the national drink of Italy, nor is ski mobiling a major sport outside of an area in the Alps.

But then who cares. Just keep winning.

 

After his own team screwed up a few times. Curious what the standings would have been if things had been a bit more professional by Massa's support team. Like remembering to fuel his car during qualifying, etc.

 

Other than being Brazilian, he has no inadequacies. Does anybody here understand Portuguese?