i will post this here since its more about Kimi....
quoteMature is the way forward
The 9 on the Richter scale that was reported by TJ13 raised many eyebrows within Formula One. How could fire and ice function together in a team that has such a rich tradition of number 1 drivers – and does not usually shy away from this truth (I refer to Ferrari) as some teams do. *ahem Red Bull*
Mark Webber was on the receiving end of such treatment during his tenure behind the wheel of the Red Bull. Whether Kimi Raikkonen will be subjected to such favouritism, or lack of, remains to be seen. However, Stefano Domenicali believes the pair can function well for the Maranello squad.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Domenicali said, “I’ve found him more mature, like all of us, more experienced, very close to the team.” So 4 years away from the Ferrari appear to have done Kimi some good then.
He continued, “Our decisions are taken in a rational way, not emotionally. We have considered the need to pair Fernando with a driver with extra strong motivation and an experience that allows him to manage such a difficult season as this year.” So it’s not all about Kimi’s ability and was he hired because of the need to have someone there who can offer a genuine challenge to Alonso?
“A driver that knows how to manage the pressure of teaming up with Alonso and racing with Ferrari, which is always under the spotlight and if it ends up second it’s a tragedy.” And there the truth is outed – “the pressure of teaming up with Alonso“.
Those who question whether Massa was viewed as a genuine competitor or just a puppet have their answer. He was never able to maintain his form as he did before his Hungaroring accident in 2009. The public ear clipping Alonso received was for much the same reason David Beckham was made to leave Manchester United, the individual was starting to believe he was more powerful than the institution.
Kimi Raikkonen, a driver who in the words of Domenicali “is conscious of his capabilities“, will have the mental strength to go head to head with the samurai Alonso and not worry about mind games or a slight dip in form. This is arguably the reason why Nico Hulkenberg was never realistically in the running for a seat at Maranello. If anything, he was only being used to lower the price the main target would cost.
In this most interesting game of chess, the next move is Alonso’s. Whether he can melt the ice man and reassert his dominance over the team remains to be seen. Will it be Alonso of 2007 that rises to the surface and throws his toys out the pram or have 7 years more experience strengthened the Spaniard’s resolve?
Mark Webber did the sensible thing getting out Red Bull when he did. It was only ever going to be downhill from here as the goalposts change this year, not being afraid to step down. At least now Massa has the chance to lead a team which he so rightfully deserves, even if it is a year or two too late. Furthermore, Alonso has the chance to further prove his credentials and put to bed the claims he only wins in a team where he is preferred. The book Samurai Chess combines the seven samurai principles and teaches the reader how to apply them to their gameplay. I wonder if Fernando has read it?http://thejudge13.com/2014/02/13/daily-f...y-2014/#Ferrari
“With the new rules, where basically the drivers won’t have to drive on the edge the whole time, it won’t be too physical, it could suit Kimi,” he told Sky Sports.
Villeneuve also thinks that Raikkonen could capitalise on the troubles in the relationship between Alonso and Ferrari, which was undoubtedly tense at times last year.
“Last year Alonso wasn’t the golden boy of Ferrari anymore, the energy wasn’t good anymore,” he said. “They were all fighting internally and that’s why they put Kimi in there.
“But if we remember a few years ago it ended in tears with Kimi as well, so who knows what will happen,” Villeneuve added.
this article is so serious that is says Kimi signed with ferrari in November..
quote Raikkonen partying hard with new flame Minttu who may be pregnant
14 February, 2014 Minttu and Kimi
According to reports in Finland Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen is deeply in love with new flame Minttu Virtanen, who even accompanied the driver secretly to races last year, and speculation in Finland is that the stewardess may be pregnant.
Officially referred to as Raikkonen’s ‘new friend’ she has been well disguised as part of the Finn’s entourage since the pair started dating last year in June. By all accounts the Iceman is finally going steady again!
Last year it emerged that Raikkonen had split from ex-wife Jenni Dahlmann, the former Miss Scandinavia to whom he was married for eight years.
According to reports in Finland the affair looks to be serious as Minttu has moved in to Raikkonen’s multi -million dollar luxury villa on the Finnish island of Kaskisaari.
Minttu recently posted on Instagram a picture of her with Raikkonen during a skiing holiday, and over the past month Finnish media have published photos of the pair together partying, smoking and drinking at various celebrity clubs in Helsinki.
But it has not all been plain sailing for the love-birds. In November Raikkonen celebrated Minttu’s birthday party at a restaurant in Teatteri , where the lovers got into an argument during the course of the evening. The fight escalated into a shouting match, which resulted in Raikkonen leaving, upon which Minttu continued to celebrate her birthday with her mates.
Minttu is well known for having a short temper, while Raikkonen is famous for being laid back and hassle free. Nevertheless rumours doing the rounds in Finland is that Minttu is already pregnant, which would suit Raikkonen who is known for his fondness for children
In November last year Raikkonen signed to rejoin Ferrari for the 2014 season and has impressed Team Principal Stefano Domenicali with his new approach.
The Italian team boss said, “I have found a more mature Kimi, more closely knit to the team. He comes to Maranello almost every week to work with the engineers.” (GP247)
First Vettel and now Kimi too... So, what ever happened to getting married first? In this disposable world, marriage and kids are disposable too
I really hope that article is not serious, not because I don't want Kimi to be happy or have kids, but because I really don't see that relationship as something that is going to last long. I would love to be proven wrong though...
Plus, if she's really pregnant, Kimi could end up his F1 career sooner than we thought, to spend time with his kids. So yes, I'm also being a little selfish.
Naaa, I know the article is not serious, or is it?
Well..the part that the finnish media has published photos of the pair having parties everywhere during the past month..isnt true. There has been very little news about Kimi partying here.
Quote: Appletree wrote in post #160Well..the part that the finnish media has published photos of the pair having parties everywhere during the past month..isnt true. There has been very little news about Kimi partying here.
Thanks for that information!
Lovely pic of those two! I have to admit that I like it that we get some more private pics of him! I think they are really cute :
"Walk on, through the wind, Walk on, through the rain, Though your dreams be tossed and blown. Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart, And you'll never walk alone, YOU`LL NEVER WALK ALONE!!!"
"Walk on, through the wind, Walk on, through the rain, Though your dreams be tossed and blown. Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart, And you'll never walk alone, YOU`LL NEVER WALK ALONE!!!"