Pete
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Petonyo
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Post by Pete on Oct 24, 2011 10:57:59 GMT
Raikkonen rumours intensify
as Williams goes to Qatar
Monday 24 October 2011 - 10h32, by GMM Kimi Raikkonen may have now signed a contract to return to formula one with Williams in 2012.
The Finnish daily Ilta-Sanomat reveals that its source is the Monaco-domiciled former Simtek and Footwork driver Taki Inoue, a Japanese who last raced in F1 in 1995.
Inoue is apparently still well connected in formula one circles, given his efforts to advance the careers of several rising Japanese drivers.
Earlier this month, Ilta-Sanomat reported that the key to Raikkonen’s return to formula one was whether Williams could sign the Qatar National Bank as a major new sponsor.
Brazilian journalist Livio Oricchio wrote in O Estado de S.Paulo last Friday: "In recent days Frank Williams travelled to Arab states Qatar and Saudi Arabia."
The beleaguered British team rose to the front of the grid some decades ago with Arab-linked sponsors including Saudia, TAG and Albilad.
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Post by Anna on Nov 4, 2011 17:43:16 GMT
Williams to announce Raikkonen deal in Abu Dhabi
"The funding for the ’Iceman’ is coming from the heat of Qatar"
Thursday 3 November 2011 - 10h06, by GMM Williams is almost ready to announce Kimi Raikkonen’s return to formula one for 2012, according to media reports.
"(The) Raikkonen (agreement) is almost there," a source inside the famous British team is quoted by FAZ newspaper.
Italy’s Autosprint reports that the funding is coming from Qatar.
Williams on Wednesday hinted at the deal by revealing that a memorandum of understanding with Mowasalat, a Qatari company, was signed in Doha for the use of the team’s simulator technology.
"The funding for the ’Iceman’ is coming from the heat of Qatar," said the Italian magazine.
The Finnish broadcaster MTV3 said the sponsorship of a Qatar bank is the next step.
That will validate a contract that Raikkonen, 32, reportedly signed recently "and the announcement will be made in Abu Dhabi" next weekend.
The Swiss publication Motorsport Aktuell said the 2007 world champion is Williams’ "first choice" to be Pastor Maldonado’s new teammate.
"He (Raikkonen) has been at Grove several times for talks," the report added.
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Pete
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Petonyo
Posts: 215
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Post by Pete on Nov 10, 2011 19:54:30 GMT
Raikkonen rumours stalk Barrichello, Sutil in Abu Dhabi
"I might go to Brazil without any confirmation but I’m not saying goodbye to my fans"
Thursday 10 November 2011 - 15h00, by GMM Even in the cool Finn’s notable absence in Abu Dhabi, two drivers are keeping a keen eye on the plans of Kimi Raikkonen.
Rumours are getting hotter with every passing day that F1’s world champion of 2007 is in serious talks with Williams about returning in 2012 after a two year world rally and NASCAR hiatus.
Rubens Barrichello might be excused for bristling at the mention of the so-called ’iceman’, as the talks mean the veteran is likely to travel to his native Brazil later this month without knowing if it will be his last of a record 322 grands prix.
"I might go to Brazil without any confirmation but I’m not saying goodbye to my fans," the 39-year-old said on Thursday.
"I cannot talk anything bad about Kimi, or about anyone really. We all are in contention. I just hope I’m the better option," added Barrichello.
He might have been also referring to Adrian Sutil, who is in the process of probably parting with Force India and hawking his experience and sponsors Medion and Capri-Sun to Williams.
Asked on Thursday about his Williams talks, the German answered: "I’m not sharing it with you."
Sutil was also coy at the mention of Raikkonen’s name.
"I have no idea," he is quoted by F1’s official website.
"I have heard that Kimi wants to come back, but there’s also a question about whether a team wants to take the risk of bringing somebody back who was hasn’t driven for two years."
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Pete
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Petonyo
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Post by Pete on Nov 10, 2011 19:55:05 GMT
Raikkonen finally confirms Williams talks
"But I do not have any agreement in any direction"
Thursday 10 November 2011 - 08h15, by GMM He says a deal is not done, but Kimi Raikkonen has finally admitted talking to Williams about possibly returning to formula one next year.
Amid intensifying speculation about the 2007 world champion’s plans, Williams co-owner Toto Wolff confirmed last week that the talks with former McLaren and Ferrari race winner Raikkonen about next season are "serious".
Ahead of the last world rally round of 2011 in Wales, Raikkonen on Wednesday finally admitted the same.
"We have been talking with them (Williams)," the 32-year-old is quoted by Finland’s Turun Sanomat, "but I do not have any agreement in any direction.
"Nothing has changed," added Raikkonen, referring to the last time he insisted he is not sure what he is going to do next year.
After leaving F1 at the end of 2009, Raikkonen has raced almost full time in world rally, also dabbling in the world of NASCAR.
"It’s been fun and, compared to where I started, I have developed a lot," he said, referring to rallying.
"I wasn’t expecting anything even though I always try to go as fast as I could. Sometimes the results were good, sometimes not so good."
With Michael Schumacher having struggled to readjust after a three-year sabbatical, Raikkonen played down the challenge of coming back to F1.
"It is the thing I have done most of my life. Much more challenging would be to try to do something else," he said.
And the winner of 18 grands prix also does not think F1 has changed too much since 2009.
"From what you can see on TV, no. The main difference is the tyres," he said.
Kaj Lindstrom, Raikkonen’s recent co-driver, would like to see the Finn keep rallying.
"He will make his own decision but it would be interesting to see how far he can go in the rally," he said. "The only way to develop is to drive.
"I said at the start that this is a four-year project if you want to get to the top," added Lindstrom
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Pete
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Petonyo
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Post by Pete on Nov 10, 2011 19:55:30 GMT
So the trend continues, Kimi rumours are sometimes more interesting then the racing itself!
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Post by Anna on Nov 11, 2011 0:20:31 GMT
When ISN'T Kimi news more exciting? Kimi news is the most exciting thing we ever deal with.
To be honest rumors about Kimi will probably be more exciting than the racing.
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kelli52
Baby F1 Fan
Sebastian Vettel....2010 & 2011 F1 World Champion :)
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Post by kelli52 on Nov 11, 2011 18:01:08 GMT
Kimi Raikkonen's possible Formula One comeback would liven up the post-race party scene as well as adding a sixth world champion to the starting grid, rivals agree. The 2007 world champion, who quit Formula One to go rallying at the end of 2009 but remains hugely popular with the fans, has been linked to a seat next season at Williams although the team have made no public comment.
Raikkonen has confirmed to Finnish reporters that he has had talks while Williams shareholder Christian 'Toto' Wolff said this week that he was one of several options under consideration.
Some of the Finn's former rivals said at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that they would welcome his return.
"I have no idea whether that is happening or not," said Team Lotus's Finnish driver Heikki Kovalainen.
"If Kimi decides to come back, I think the main difference for me will be that the parties after the races will be a little bit better."
Raikkonen, so often unforthcoming and monosyllabic in news conferences, had an off-track reputation as a party animal during his stint in Formula One with Sauber, McLaren and Ferrari.
Among other exploits, he once entered a powerboat race in a gorilla suit as 'James Hunt' and was also photographed asleep on a bench with an inflatable dolphin outside a Spanish nightclub.
"I had a few drinks and danced. Why not?" Raikkonen was quoted as saying afterwards.
Michael Schumacher, the seven-times world champion whose place at Ferrari was taken by the Finn at the end of 2006, enjoyed some memorable post-season parties with Raikkonen.
The German, who made his own comeback last year after three years out, was reluctant to offer any advice but could see potential for entertainment.
"I would be very happy to see him back. We have had some very good times and I look forward for some on track and off track occasions -- it will be good," he said.
Getting back into the groove after a couple of years away might not be too difficult, though.
"In the end, you think how much can you recall your potential. How much can you drive the car to its limit. That is the main concern that was answered right away at the first test," said the 42-year-old of his own case.
"It took me probably 15 laps to sort of get back and drive the car, not at its full limit but close and from then on it is just a matter of time. I am pretty sure with Kimi he is capable of doing so."
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kelli52
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Sebastian Vettel....2010 & 2011 F1 World Champion :)
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Post by kelli52 on Nov 14, 2011 14:53:05 GMT
It appears Kimi Raikkonen has taken yet another step towards signing with the Williams team for the 2012 F1 season.
At the end of an intense weekend of speculation regarding the 2007 world champion’s possible return to formula one, Raikkonen’s managers duly appeared in the Abu Dhabi paddock.
The appearance of managers Steve and David Robertson was all the more notable given Raikkonen’s participation thousands of miles away in the Welsh rally.
And Turun Sanomat newspaper reports that they watched the grand prix from within Williams’ hospitality area.
The signs are growing stronger every day that 32-year-old Raikkonen is definitely motivated to return to the sport that gave him 18 wins between 2001 and 2009.
Sir Frank Williams finally confirmed to the Finnish broadcaster MTV3 on Sunday that his Oxfordshire based team “has strong interest” in housing Raikkonen next year.
“Obviously, anyone worth his salt in any business will argue about the price of things,” he grinned, “so there is an argument going on, which of course is quite normal.
“I must choose my words carefully by saying only that it (Raikkonen coming to Williams) is possible.”
And team co-founder Patrick Head confirmed in Abu Dhabi that Williams’ interest in the former McLaren and Ferrari driver is not new.
“We were interested in Kimi when he drove for Sauber,” the Briton is quoted as saying. “We proposed to our then partner BMW to make him an offer but they thought it was too much money.”
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Post by Anna on Nov 14, 2011 17:07:14 GMT
It will be fun if Kimi does come back but half the years entertainment will be destroyed because there will be no more "Kimi returns to F1" rumors. I guess then it'll either be "Kimi returns to Rally" or "Kimi returns to McLaren/Ferrari" rumors .
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Amanda
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#WINNING
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Post by Amanda on Nov 15, 2011 14:42:41 GMT
Parr amused by Kimi 'tittle-tattle'
Tuesday 15th November 2011
Williams chairman Adam Parr remains coy over the team's 2012 driver line-up, but admits some of the reports regarding the Kimi Raikkonen deal are "absolute drivel".
Williams shareholder Toto Wolff admitted last week that they are in negotiations with the 2007 World Champion and the latest paddock rumours claim the team are awaiting upon investment from Qatar to help fund the deal.
Parr, though, remains tight-lipped about talks with Raikkonen and says some of the rumours have brought a smile to his face.
"I read stuff and I just want to laugh because people construct these conspiracy theories from tittle-tattle and nonsense, and it's absolute drivel on all fronts," he said.
"I understand everything people are saying, but unfortunately it doesn't mean you can draw conclusions from it."
Parr appears in no hurry to confirm next year's line-up, stating it will be done "as soon as we can".
He added: "We have not made a decision yet about the future. When we have we will discuss it with the people concerned and then we'll announce it."
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Post by Anna on Dec 1, 2011 15:33:50 GMT
Motorsport-Magazine has some interesting Kimi quotes up.... They've been translated from German so they might be a bit weird "Toyota? It's not cool to drive bad cars." "Come back tomorrow, today I'm still on vacation." (Kimi on Finnish television Thursday before the season opener in Australia) Reporter: Kimi, what do you say to fifth place on the grid "Kimi:" It is the fifth place in the starting lineup. " Kimi, you can say a little something? "Yeah, one, two ... three ..." "Formula 1 would be a paradise without the media" "I've decided to motor sports, because I was not there to get up so early." "I do not care what other people think about me. I'm not Michael Schumacher." What is your relationship with Peter Sauber - father figure, father-in ...?? Kimi: "He's my boss." "I brush him, so I can see better." Kimi on the question whether he has certain rituals in relation to his helmet, like most racers. "It's crowded in some places, wide at the other - it depends on where you are." The unparalleled range description the Singapore price of a Kimi Raikkonen in top form. "Kimi, how did you spend the days before the Canadian GP in Montreal?" - "I arrived here on Tuesday so I was here yesterday.." "Kimi, you've got a sexy tattoo on her arm - what is it?" - "It's a tattoo." - "And what does that tattoo?" - "Nothing, absolutely nothing." - "Is it permanent?" - "I do not know." "Kimi, you could have with your grandmother talk about the poles?" - "I'm sitting here, so what do you do?" They missed his best one though
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kelli52
Baby F1 Fan
Sebastian Vettel....2010 & 2011 F1 World Champion :)
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Post by kelli52 on Dec 1, 2011 15:39:59 GMT
As much as he is an interviewer's nightmare, he has given me some good laughs over the years!!
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kelli52
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Sebastian Vettel....2010 & 2011 F1 World Champion :)
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Post by kelli52 on Dec 1, 2011 15:53:03 GMT
Flying Finn Kimi Raikkonen insists he is ready to take the criticism and face down the sceptics as he prepares to return to Formula One racing next season after signing a two-year deal with Lotus Renault GP.
Lotus announced their move for the 2007 world champion on Tuesday two years on from a surprise move to pursue a career in rallying and Raikkonen said he was already looking forward to his return to the grid.
"I couldn't care less what people say," he insisted in a team press statement.
"I would not have come back had I not been motivated.
"There's still a lot to be said - but nobody really knows what I do or say. I really don't care what people say - I am happy to be coming back," said the driver nicknamed The Iceman and a veteran of 18 Grands Prix wins with Ferrari.
"I never really lost my passion for Formula One - just maybe for all the other things around it.
"But when I did some Nascar races this year I noticed that I was increasingly missing the racing side - to race against each other - because in rallying you really race against the clock.
"And then I got the call from certain people in Formula 1. All sorts of things happened and we managed to have a nice conversation with Lotus Renault GP and make a deal," he said.
On Tuesday, Raikkonen had explained that "I can't deny the fact that my hunger for F1 has recently become overwhelming."
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Post by Anna on Dec 1, 2011 15:56:13 GMT
Its nice to hear he's motivated the horrible thing is he doesn't LOOK all that motivated at times, its hard to read him and I guess we shouldn't jump to conclusions but when someone looks really miserable its hard to be on their side . But I am happy he's back and can't wait for more little gems from him ;D . This is the Lotus video
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Post by r1ch91 on Dec 1, 2011 16:04:51 GMT
shame it isn't in the vid but Martin's response to that was funny "obviously you'll have a nice light car on the grid then". Don't think he was interviewed on a grid walk again Some more If there’s a red light when you leave the pitlane you have to stop. Then some wooden eye (Hamilton) crashes into you and breaks the car. The helmet has a special meaning for many drivers. How important is it to you? - It protects my head. Do you have any special rituals when the helmet is concerned like many have? - I wipe it so that I can see better.
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