The F1 press are getting into a frenzy about Kimi Raikkonen’s plans for 2007, with Fernando Alonso confirmed at McLaren in 2007 and little major news until testing resumes.
Although Raikkonen out-scored Montoya in 2005 and is close to Ron Dennis, speculation is mounting that he is frustrated over reliability problems that cost him them 2005 title (and arguably the 2003 championship) and a letter he was sent in the 2004-05 off-season about his well-publicised clubbing exploits.
Luca Montezemolo has publicly said that Ferrari would manage that side of Raikkonen’s personality very well, and rumours earlier in 2005 linked the Finn with Moto GP megastar Valentino Rossi at a post-Michael Schumacher Ferrari super-team in ’07.
But recent rumours concerning Toyota has moved their Motorsport President John Howlett to officially deny that Raikkonen has signed a contract with them. A third team are also rumoured to have approached his management.
Raikkonen and Schumacher’s contracts both expire at the end of 2006. If Schumacher does retire, Raikkonen’s services will surely go to the highest bidder. If Schumacher stays at Ferrari, it is inconceivable that he would allow Raikkonen to partner him.
But wouldn’t it be great if he did?