Source: autosport.com
Kimi Raikkonen has emerged as a surprise contender to line up alongside Fernando Alonso at Ferrari next year, even though the Finn is closing in on a deal to remain at Lotus.
Ferrari is considering its driver options for 2013, with the team well aware it needs a team-mate to Alonso who can help contribute significantly to its constructors’ championship ambitions.
Felipe Massa has not yet delivered strong enough form this year to guarantee his seat, which has left Ferrari evaluating whether to hope his current upswing in form will continue into 2013 or whether it needs to look at other options.
A number of young drivers are on Ferrari’s radar – with Nico Hulkenberg, Paul di Resta, Sergio Perez and Romain Grosjean all on the short-list of candidates for the drive.
However, Ferrari sources insist that the team has not seen enough from any of those drivers to be sure that they will be a definite step forward over Massa – which has resulted in Raikkonen emerging as a dark horse contender.
Although Raikkonen was dropped by Ferrari at the end of 2009, Ferrari sources suggest that senior figures inside the team believe he would be the perfect fit for next year – because of his speed, availability and likelihood that he would not cause any political problems.
However, the biggest stumbling block at any deal happening is believed to be the strained relationship between Raikkonen and Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, who parted their previous working partnership on far from good terms.
Insiders suggest that di Montezemolo is not convinced about the Raikkonen route – while the driver himself has said in private that he too would be reluctant to work with his former boss again.
Ferrari will have to make a final call on Raikkonen soon if it is to have any hope of doing a deal, because he is getting close to confirming another season with Lotus.
AUTOSPORT understands that Raikkonen has already held technical meetings about the 2013 car at the Lotus factory, and there is every indication from him and the team that they intend to carry on together for at least one more year.
Raikkonen’s team-mate Grosjean is out of contract at the end of this year too, but his current strong form for Lotus makes it a no brainer for it to keep the Frenchman for another season.
Kimi comments on Ferrari rumours
Raikkonen: “I always said that I have no bad feelings and I had a good time with the team. I won one championship there. You never know what happens in the future. I am happy where I am right now. Things going pretty nicely. You never know what happens in the future and I am happy where I am.”
FUCK ISRAEL 
I hate this. Ferrari making use of Kimi perhaps to negotiate with other drivers…
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Don’t believe in this c*ap. Kimi as been saying all along that he was the victim of f1 politics when he left Ferrari. The Maranelo team are doing this just to clean their hands and make Kimi feel better.
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ROFLMAO
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why would kimi go there after they basically dropped him for santanders money, although kimi wouldnt care who he”s racing against, being alonso’s test dummy is exactly why kimi didnt join ferrari in 2002
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that’s not going to happen….
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Oh please….Ferrari??? Ask them to keep alonso there so they think their balls are bigger. Kimi don’t need those crap
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That will never happen…and it shouldn’t too…Raikkonen should be at Lotus…He’s kinda happy here and is driver better…
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NO, NO, and NO. Ferrari only offer money, Mclaren offer rapid car, Lotus offer a lot of fun. Wait until 2014 when Renault re-deploy their killer turbo engines, meanwhile have fun with Lotus.
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Kimi should slam the door on ferrari.he should be in lotus or mclaren or Mercedes but not ferrari.
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I agree.. Guess mclaren is only place he should move. Not ferrari.. They will sabotage his game.. Actually even mclaren can do the same. Lotus are happy with 2nd place finishes. Its Sad.. Kimi should be the number one driver whichever teams he goes too..
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Hey guys!
I agree with Amit – McLaren is the only place really where Kimi could be better off.
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Honestly the way things are panning out…Lotus is perfect for Kimi…although Mclaren is the best option if Kimi wants a safe shot for title….Man…i’m jus loving the hype…Kimi is in Demand again!!!:-D
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Those were good times with McLaren, but in my opinion Lotus is even better for KImi!
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I beg to differ.. Good is not good enough. Lotus lack the killer instinct to be no. 1. Steve slater said during the race that eric boullier was of the opinion that if lotus would be 2nd in constructors championship without winning a single race he would be hell happy.. Kimi is here to win. He could have won thrice this year atleast. But he couldn’t , thanks mainly to lazy strategies by lotus. Lotus need to believe that they can actually win a race this year..
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Boullier is an idiot
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If they want(Ferrari) a driver to be second why they dont make a contract with Pique jr?He will fit with Alonso very well.Iceman is a world champion,dont forget that.
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Its all publicity. Besides, Kimi and Di Montezemelo’ s relationship is very strained. Very doubtful whether he will return there.
But at the same time Kimi is growing tired of Lotus’ strategy in qualifying.
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James Allen’s point of view:
http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2012/07/kimi-raikkonen-and-ferrari/
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i dont want kimi to be back at ferrari, beat alonso…kimi best f1 driver…..
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