Sunday, Race Day – Vettel Leads Red Bull 1-2, Button 3rd, Hamilton out with brake problemFull race report | Race Lap Analysis | Race History Analysis | Race Fastest Laps | Abu Dhabi GP Photo Album
Classified:
Pos Driver Team Time
1. Vettel Red Bull-Renault (B) 1h34:03.314
2. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) + 17.857
3. Button Brawn-Mercedes (B) + 18.467
4. Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes (B) + 22.735
5. Heidfeld BMW Sauber (B) + 26.253
6. Kobayashi Toyota (B) + 28.343
7. Trulli Toyota (B) + 34.366
8. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) + 41.294
9. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) + 45.941
10. Kubica BMW Sauber (B) + 48.180
11. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) + 52.798
12. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) + 54.317
13. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) + 59.839
14. Alonso Renault (B) + 1:09.687
15. Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes (B) + 1:34.450
16. Grosjean Renault (B) + 1 lap
17. Fisichella Ferrari (B) + 1 lap
18. Sutil Force India-Mercedes (B) + 1 lap
Fastest lap: Vettel, 1:40.279
Not classified/retirements:
Driver Team On lap
Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 21
Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 19
News & Quotes:No government funds for Silverstone
Alonso not worried by Ferrari’s struggles
Post-race press conference
Alonso ‘will never forget’ Renault spell
Hamilton bemoans brake problems
Ferrari Team Quotes – Kimi Raikkonen: “We knew we did not have a car that
was competitive here. It was definitely not a good weekend, but I don’t
think any of us have anything to reproach ourselves for. We did the
most we could with the package we hard. At the start, the track was a
bit slippery and that cost me a place to Kobayashi, who was very quick
today. Then, when the two Brawns were back ahead of me, after their
first pit stop, our race was definitely compromised and a points finish
became impossible. It’s a shame to end my time with Ferrari with this
result, but this year we have never been in a position to fight for the
win at every race, as I would have wished.”
Stefano Domenicali: "[…]This was Kimi’s last race with us and again today he gave it his all.We are very disappointed that this year, we did not give him a
competitive car and I thank him for never having thrown in the towel,
in fact, fighting even harder when the situation was at its trickiest […]”
Chris Dyer: “[…]It’s an unpleasant way to end our relationship with Kimi and we are
very disappointed about it. It would have been nice to have given him a
good result as a send off to thank him for everything we have done
together over the past three years. We wish him all the best for the
future, whatever he decides to do. He is an extraordinary driver and we
will always have fond memories of him[…]”
Finally, the end of Kimi and Ferrari. A bitter end to a story so sweet. It’s been a long ride this year, we Kimi fans have had it tough right from the start. But we kept the faith: we saw Kimi take Ferrari’s first podium at Monaco, a breathless victory at Spa as well as his four consecutive podiums. Kimi’s target of the season was to win at least one race. And we achieved that in a car where winning was not possible if it was not for Kimi’s extraordinary talent and determination. So we’re proud Kimi Raikkonen fans! He’ll certainly keep flying and soon we will know the details of which skies he’ll cross next…



Hello all. Haven’t been able to post any messages while I was on holidays recently, so it’s good to be back this w/end even though it’s the last race of the season. I somehow expected/wanted Kimi to at least pick up a few places at the start and score some points, but alas, it wasn’t to be. It turned out to be quite an unexciting race apart from Lewis’ retirement. In a way, I don’t feel sorry that Kimi wasn’t able to fight to keep Ferrari in 3rd in the Constructor’s Championship because I frankly don’t believe they deserve it. They only got where they are because of Kimi’s talent. On the other hand, McLaren deserve their position at the end of this season because they continued working on their car development whereas Ferrari is merely reliant on their drivers (actually, DRIVER Kimi only in their case), and misfortunes of other cars, to score points since they stopped concentrating their efforts on this year’s car. Bring on 2010 and I hope Kimi and McLaren agree to contractual terms that both sides are happy with, very soon. Did anyone catch the brief snippet of Kimi congratulating Vettel on his win ? He rarely does that to anyone else.KIMI to STAY in F1 I say !!
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I just want to thank kimi for those amazing years (with both mclaren and ferrari)! And I hope to see you next year in formula one! Thank you Saima for those beautifull comments and fantastic videos!
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well i’m quite disappointed Kimi didn’t score any points,but at least he already giving his best,congratulation to Seb for the win,Great Perfomance by Kobayashi now let’s wait Kimi Mclaren announcement
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yeah no much to say really except arrivederci the red!I would have liked better for Kimi but only for him coz I agree that the team deserves nothing !Now not that much to wait !and the best will come ! 🙂
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Yeah – it was great to see Kimi waving to Seb! Congrats to him for a splendid and well deserved win. I’m also not sorry that Ferrari didn’t pip McLaren at the end – it’s the logical conclusion of their decision to stop work on the car and fly by the seat of their [or I should say Kimi’s] pants for the last third of the season, and it was a fair result in the end that McLaren got it. I’m only sorry that Kimi couldn’t score some points and exit on a high. It was his last race for Ferrari, and we didn’t even get to see him crossing the line for the last time in the scarlet car. Well, it’s finally all over; the last page has been turned and the fairytale has ended. Can’t help feeling sad, but Kimi will fly again. Saima, I shall be watching the skies very closely over the next few weeks – hopefully he won’t keep us waiting that long!
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Yep, Kimi has kept such great composure this year and he was also driving better than ever ironically, so it’s been a really strong year for him in that sense.
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Finally here comes the end of the 2009 season & end of Kimi’s career in Ferrari! A bitter sweet 3 years for Kimi, his ability has been under estimated vs. Alonso or Massa by non-Kimi fans. I don’t think Kimi cares about it but his fans care. Kimi’s career has not been smooth. It is quite frustrating though. I just hope less trouble, FULL support from ‘McLaren’ + super great car for him next year 🙂
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Hi to all,And I wanted to say you to all that I find the circuit of Abu Dhabi so beautiful and so technical… It’s just magnificent, great, and excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE it !!!… It was an own Grand Prix, without irresponsible behaviors… I loved this Grand Prix, even if one of my better favorite pilots KIMI wasn’t on the podium… It was a very beautiful race… and on the most beautiful circuits of formula 1… I wait with impatience to be at the next season… Kimi with Mc Laren… That announces a lot of superb races… That will be a lot of happinesses!!!… While waiting, a huge THANK YOU to Kimi to have offered us the better one of this than he can realize with his Ferrari races… KIMI is a great Pilot, a genius and especially an exemplary Pilot!!!…I would want also as we thank all Saima for offer ourselves the new ones of the Grand Prix in objectifies manner on the Fan Site of Kimi… A huge THANK YOU Evenstar Saima to let us DREAM the Formula 1 through our favorite pilot!!!… Have a Great and Wonderful Sunday everyone, Bye-Bye and see you!!!…
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I also missed the sniper where Kimi congratulated Seb! You’re correct Trixie, Kimi rarely does it, except to his buddies! Although sad that Kimi didn’t pick up any points, congrat to Seb!! He deserved it!It’s the end of 2009 racing calendar and I completely agree with Yuss…it’s a difficult year for Kimi, but we know, he won’t give up!Thanks Saima for your wonderful site, can’t imagine us as Kimi’s fan without you!!!
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You’re welcome guys…Tania from the official forum told us that: "Our italian journalist tried to force him to speak about next year, about Alonso and his great talent to work with the engineers, but Dyer couldn’t speak, he was sad and said he wanted to remember these three fantastic years with Kimi. He will think about the future from tomorrow, not today."Ahhhh….
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Reading all your comments here make me cry again..i’m a bit in emotional state right now;-)Finally..this is it.Kimi and ferrari story comes to the end.Thanks saima,for your wonderful site to unite all of kimi fans around the world.Hope we can cont supporting kimi and dont lose faith on him.Kimi whatever and wherever u goes after this,we are always on your back.
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That’s very sweet of Chris Dyer. He’s right though – there’s a time to remember, and a time to start looking to the future. It has to be the same for us fans. Kimi will hang up his Ferrari overalls, pack his bags, turn off the lights and close the door – but there’s a new world outside waiting for him. A new car, and a new team. And we’ll be there with him 🙂
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The Ferrari chapter of Kimi’s are at an end…But as ribbonseal says, there’s a new world outside waiting for Kimi and waiting for us who will be there for him. Maybe we will continue to watch him in F1, maybe we all will have to switch to rallying, or maybe even another sport we never expected…but we will continue to support Kimi.Even for someone like Chris Dyer and Kimi’s team, it will not be the end. I am sure that the friendship that they have built with him these past 3 years will be kept in their hearts forever…and that no one can ever change…not SD, not LdM, not Alonso, not Ferrari!Keep flying Kimi and keep flying Kimi fans! We will all know our futures soon.
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I started to feel very sad for Kimi after reading all the farewell notes from Ferrari 😦 😦 😦 Hope some good news will cheer us/those who care for Kimi very soon.
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Its final gud bye to Ferrari now…..when i started following f1 in 2006 i followed ferrari but when kimi joined and in these three years i never came i was actually a kimi fan as when he’s now leaving i’m not stuck with ferrari but going with kimi…..i am proud i;m going……i know i will cry soon but i’m just waitin as i’m worried about mclaren kimi announcement,…whewreever u r kimi u will always fly……..and we will be right behind u…..
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I’m sure there’s a bright future waiting ahead for Kimi, no matter where he chooses to go and his fans will always follow him! KEEP FLYING KIMI!!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Hi guys! Finally, arrivederci Ferrari! They are idiots, and i’m happy that Kimi leaving them, and wherever he decides to go i’ll be with him. Forever Kimi!:))))))
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As the great man said Arrivederci … he must be soooo glad to see the back of that **No Swearing** car !!! However, I am hoping to hear soon about a new Ice Age beginning Mid March 2010 :o)
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…quite gutted really!just wanna forget this year really and starts looking ahead.can someone tell me which clip in you tube "kimi congratulating Seb today." been searching online but cant find it!i literally switch the telly off and missed that part!
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Kimi was walking past Vettel (as he was celebrating to the cameras) in parc ferme and just put thumbs up, really.
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Alas, the triennium has drawn to a close. But never mind, hopefully calmer seas lie ahead for Kimi! 😉 Us Kimi fans will always be grateful to Ferrari because they did, after all equip him with a championship-winning car in his debut Ferrari year. And that was nice of Kimi to give Seb thumbs-up! I watched the race again so I could see that part, haha. =]=]Keep flying, Kimi!!!P.S. Saima, are you positive that Kimi will definitely be in a McLaren next year?? I sure hope so!!!!!! And I hope they have less reliability issues. Don’t want Kimi to retire from a race because of faulty brakes.
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quote what Saima’s wrote about Kimi season and our way of thinking.KIMI SUPPORT; ALWAYS !
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Finally this season has ended….Kimi was amazing despite the crap he was driving….Fingers crossed for the Macca move!!!!!I totally missed Kimi congratulating Sebastian….i know it’s nothing but would have loved to see it…. Saima if possible can u plzzzzzz include that part (a video of it not pics) in the Abu Dhabi GP highlights….would appreciate it a lot :DHoping we hear good news soon!!!!!!!
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Hi I’m not sure if this is the bit with Kimi putting his thumbs up at Seb: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xA9xdQJK90around 35 seconds I think. This isn’t my video btw I just found it on youtube.
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Hi!Finland’s best F1 reporter Heikki Kulta had Kimi’s interview yesterday. He asked Kimi about his "dismissal" and what was the reason of that. Kimi answered, that everybody has they own opinion, but the real reason was Santander’s money. You can see whole story from here (only in Finnish, sorry):http://www.ts.fi/f1/uutiset/85232.htmlThis is actually first time Kimi has said this fact. Kimi is very cool and don’t show his emotions to anybody, however I think he is full of motivation for next year to beat Ferrari with McLaren.
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It was a great year of driving by Kimi. Nothing I can include because earlier posts have done it all. Hopefully we`ll see the Mclaren move soon in few days. Anyway, why are u guys getting so carried away with Kimi showing thumbs-up to Vettel? It`s normal to show thumbs-up.
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I read this from another forum that Heikki Said he would have a new team for sure next season.So that is Kimi vs Heidfeld for Mclaren seat. However i still do think that Mclaren will not move forward with Nick. With due respect to his talent, i don`t think that he`s the winning driver.
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Amol:Heikki Kovalainen (other Finnish driver) has said, that he will wait, what team decides. My guess is, that is Kimi comes Heikki goes to Toyota. If Kimi won’t come to McLaren, Heikki will stay. Of course it has been poor season for Heikki, but there is a reason for this. He can’t drive McLaren as he would like to drive it. If you remember the beginning of season 2008, then Heikki was matching Hamilton easily.Nick Heidfelt is not an option. He is not a winning driver and anyway I think he will go to "Saubersomething" next year.
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@Anna: Tks for taking the time to locate the footage. I’m sorry if my observation caused some of you to think you’ve missed out on something significant, but yes, that was what I saw a brief snippet of last night. To me, it was a heart warming gesture from Kimi to Seb. And @Pekka2, thanks for the update. Although I can’t read Finnish, but from what you mentioned, I only expect Kimi to be frank and ‘honest’ as he was recently been described by Stefano in his parting comment. So we now have confirmation that Santander "bought" Alonso’s seat in Ferrari. I don’t recall Kimi ever having to buy a seat in his F1 career. I guess his talent is what got him where he is and where he’ll be going. Keep shining, Kimi. You’re a star that F1 needs to retain for a few more years yet. Also, thanks Saima, for updating more photos from Abu Dhabi GP since yesterday.
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Hei Pekka, thanks for the link. I did read about it yesterday, Kimi is quite open with Kulta as I guess he trusts him and not the majority of the media. It was plain to see before anyway that Santander pushed Kimi out for Alonso.
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Thanks Saima for the great photos – Kimi and Lewis seem to be together rather more than usual during this GP weekend – a coincidence perhaps? 😉 And it’s always nice to see Kimi, Heikki and Seb hanging out together like the 3 musketeers! Does anyone know if there’s a photo of the thank you Kimi pit wall sign that Ferrari made? I’ve read about it but haven’t actually seen the thing.
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Sorry to post yet another message guys, but I just got a ‘thank you for everything Kimi’ promo from ferrari.com in my e-mail, and they’re selling the F60 1:18 model (the ‘last Ferrari driven by the Finnish driver’) and other Kimi merchandise. There’s something funny and ironic in all of this if you ask me – they’re probably trying to clear the shelves for the Alonso stuff in the pipeline! I have Kimi’s F2007 and F2008 and am going to think hard if I actually want the F60 – it was a dog of a car, but still, it showcased the best of Kimi – his never say die spirit, the win against all odds in Spa and the heroism and loyalty he displayed in a piece of machinery and a team that didn’t do justice to his talent. Heck, I might just get it after all!
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I have an 1:18 Ferrari model of the 2007 Kimi Raikkonen China edition, and I’m happy with that. If Ferrari want to make money out of sacking Kimi and paying his 2010 salary as well, we can’t blame them lol
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Heh hehee. Ferrari must make a lot of money to pay Kimi’s salary for year 2010. What happens if Kimi wins World Championship at 2010. Will there be "Thank you Ferrari" placard in McLaren… :)Anyway, there was a story in italian news paper, that Kimi is an racetracks autism…http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/f1/uutiset.shtml/arkistot/f1/2009/11/988367I think Kimi will take this as a courtesy…Evenstar, you mentioned Finnish F1 journalist Heikki Kulta. You are right, Heikki Kulta is one of those journalists, that Kimi trusts. Reason for this is, that he don’t write crap, but only stories, that are based on facts. BTW, Heikki Kulta’s sir name "Kulta" means gold in Finnish 🙂 So we can say, that Heikki’s words are like gold 🙂
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@Pekka: The source is still unknown. But I did read this from one of the F1 forums around. Kovalainen:"One is for sure, I will change my team next season"So Ferrari making money which they`ll give to Kimi. Really How Stupid that decision was! It`s an example of how crap management could become after departure of the great leader like Jean Todt. Really sad, I was a big Ferrari Fan for these many years and now I don`t have anything to support except Kimi.
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@Pekka: that’s disgusting! That Italian magazine isn’t doing itself any favours by showcasing such poor Journalism. It’s total shit. What’s up with all the stupid "what if’s"?Kimi can get more money if he wants, on legal grounds against them for saying that. But they’d probably make a joke out of him being greedy, sueing for more money. It’ll never end, so why bother. They’re getting off on blaming Kimi in pride for their glorious red team. Let them. It’s THEIR LOSS! and all the words of those who worked close with Kimi in the team like Dyer, Stella etc have said they’re sad about it. I’m sure they’ll love to see these kind of things written by the Tifosi.
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Let’s stick to the ‘gold’ that Pekka said comes from Heikki Kulta’s work: here is a new piece:——————————————–Translation courtesy of Leijonahttp://www.ts.fi/f1/uutiset/85535.htmlAbu Dhabi is basicly a home race for David and Steve Robertson who live permanently in Dubai within a hundred kilometers from the Yas Marina track. Both Kimi Räikkönen’s British managers were very busy throughout the weekend, although contract negotiations are known to not have particularly proceeded.What was the situation of Kimi Räikkönen’s contract negotiations on Sunday night?- The intention is to stay in the F1 tracks. Discussions are continuing and in order to reach agreement it requires some arrangements. Kimi is a very honest and says directly what he wants to do. Only if a contract with McLaren is born, he wants to continue in F1, Steve Robertson said to TS.- If an agreement is not reached, Kimi does not want to drive in any other F1 team. Kimi wants to only fight for and win the championship. He is not interested to be in only to improve his statistics.And what are the possibilities for that agreement?- Possibilities can’t be measured beforehand. But when you watch what Kimi did at the end of the season with a car that belongs to the museum, at least everyone knows what he can do. Hopefully we get something agreed. Things have to be whirled by both parties.Will it take weeks before the solution is generated?- I hope the decision comes sooner than later. Kimi has other options than to continue F1. It would be easier for everyone if we can get things quickly agreed, Robertson said.The manager is very proud of Kimi’s three years in Ferrari.- Overall, this was absolutely a fantastic time. Kimi won half of the championships, which he took part of – the drivers title in 2007 and manufacturers’ titles 2007-08.- He did a good job also now, even though the car was virtually nowhere. With the second half’s points he would have been just at the top, although race after race the car’s performance weakened. The last new development package came to Hungary, and even that was only a very small step of development.- It is amazing that the team is fourth with these provisions, when only the other driver drove for points. I think the team is satisfied with the work Kimi made, Robertson summed it up.——————————————-:)
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Lol – those journos belong on the slagheap. Let’s ignore them. I’m very grateful to the fans who translate the Finnish articles for us especially Heikki Kulta’s pieces! Btw, Steve Slater on ESPN Star Sports said some very nice things about Kimi during the last race – including something about him being the best fly by the seat of your pants driver in F1 (I take it he means the most naturally talented, LOL!). Hope that contract gets tied up soon – can’t imagine F1 without him. 😦
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Yeah, we’re a lucky bunch! Nicole translated this one:————————————————————-http://www.ts.fi/f1/uutiset/85542.htmlIT’S OKAY FOR HAMILTON’s IF KIMI COMESTurun Sanomat 2.11 2009 22:59:49According to British sources Anthony and Lewis Hamilton wouldn’t be thrilled at all of the idea that McLaren would hire Kimi Räikkönen to be Hamilton’s team mate.Anthony Hamilton wanted to correct all these claims through Turun Sanomat.– First of all I have to say that Lewis and I don’t have any influence when it comes to McLaren chosing drivers. But if you need badly championships then you also need Kimi in the team. Kimi is the best driver available. Lewis and Kimi would most certainly push each other in the best way into even better results.– If I would have to make the choice I would take Kimi but I don’t have anything againts Heikki continuing either, daddy Hamilton said.– We have always liked Heikki. He is a great team mate who does his work well. Kimi again is kind of a cool-guy. I think that he is the choice number one and the best driver who could come beside Lewis to this team, Hamilton says and waits with a great interest how the negotiations between Räikkönen’s managers and Martin Whitmarsh go forward this week.Turun Sanomat, Abu DhabiHEIKKI KULTA—————————————————————————-So, now the Daddy Hamilton has revealed they have no problem with Kimi joining.
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eh eh, Saima, I’m lucky to can write and read articles here because most of italian sites and magazines and sport news are a shit rare to find! and tousends of people like parrots to repeat the same things all against Kimi.
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This is so damn awesome…….i loveeeeeeeeee KRS………….i love this place……..
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Kimi es el mejor, y el mas guapo!!!! espero tenerlo mucho tiempo en algun deporte para verlo.
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Hi Saima! Thank you a lot for this news, you make me really happy. So everthing is ok with Hamilton’s:))))))
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Daddy Hamilton is already announcing Kimi’s move, I think. If not, why bother to say they don’t mind Kimi in the other seat?I also got the same email about the Kimi stuff from Ferrari. com. I think they’re not only trying to squeeze every last marketing cent they can get out of Kimi but they’re trying to get rid of his stuff to make way for the brat…LOSERS!
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Today’s headline: "Haug: McLaren as strong as it has ever been"http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/79991I guess this clarification about McLaren and Mercedes possibly comes ahead of making the Kimi announcement as it was a significant issue in "Iceman Contracts?"?
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Yeah I hope to see the announcement sooner now. Anyway I found this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zn_AIs9yyA&feature=player_embeddedKimi talking with Lewis before Abu Dhabi race. ;)Sorry for posting this one late.
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It’s never too late 😛 There are quite a few pictures of Kimi and Lewis in the photo album.
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Mclaren is the best place for Kimi right now
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yeah, there are several abu dhabi’s photos and also something in past two gp in wich Kimi can be seen speaking with haug, withmarsh and now hammie…..we’ll see and….hope…..
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Hi Saima! Deseseperada I do not know the fate of kimi.And you?
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