Heikki Kovalainen

Vera · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 9:49 am Post subject:

OK, so they say this grand prix marked an end of an era...True or not, here are some press-releases:

Autosport wrote:

Ferrari confirm Raikkonen, Massa

Sunday, September 10th 2006, 13:34 GMT

Kimi Raikkonen has been confirmed as Michael Schumacher's replacement following the German driver's announcement that he is retiring from Formula One at the end of the season.

Raikkonen, currently a McLaren driver, has signed a contract until the end of the 2009 season.

The Finn will drive alongside Brazilian Felipe Massa, who has renewed his contract until the end of 2008.

I guess I should accept the reality now..............

Vera · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 9:51 am Post subject:

Mclaren wrote:

Kimi Raikkonen and Team McLaren Mercedes have enjoyed a successful relationship for the past five years achieving nine victories, ten pole positions and scored 321 World Championship points. Only two drivers in Formula 1 at the moment enjoy longer relationships with their teams than Kimi and Team McLaren Mercedes.

The team has a number of options for the remaining seat alongside World Champion Fernando Alonso for 2007 and will make an announcement prior to the end of the year.

Following today's announcement regarding his future, the Team would like to thank Kimi for his contribution and wish him the very best. Whilst Kimi's 2007 plans are now announced both Kimi and the Team recognise there is still a job to do this season and will continue to push hard.

KIMI RAIKKONEN
"Whilst I have taken the decision to leave Team McLaren Mercedes, I want to stress that I really enjoyed my time with the team. I have the deepest respect for everybody and will be giving my all in the remaining races."

RON DENNIS, TEAM PRINCIPAL, TEAM McLAREN MERCEDES
"I have enjoyed working with Kimi over the past five seasons and as a team we have achieved a lot of success. He is a very special driver and obviously everybody at McLaren wishes him all the best in his future career. Looking forward we remain confident that our 2007 line-up will be a strong and exciting one."

NORBERT HAUG, VICE-PRESIDENT, MERCEDES-BENZ MOTORSPORT
"We worked with Kimi for five years and during that time he has become a great racing driver. On behalf of DaimlerChrysler and our premium brand Mercedes-Benz I would like to thank Kimi for all that he has done for us and I wish him well for the future. I am sure we will continue to have great respect for each other and will remain friends."

*sobs*
THAT is the end of an era!!! Crying or Very sad

I hope you'll be happy in Ferrari, Kimi, and the contract for 4 years should bring us not less than four..okay, three WDCs!

Vera · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 9:57 am Post subject:

Don't know why, but

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He looks happy...bless!

KiMiFaN · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 10:46 am Post subject:

Well not just one era is finished.. I think you have to respect Michael Schumacher's era as well. Even if you didnt like him you have to respect the man for his racing abilities and what he has done for the sport. Without Schumacher Formule 1 won't be the same. Mark my words.

Next year there won't be an always threatening Michael Schumacher. So im feeling kinda sad about his departure from F1 even if I didnt like him for his flaws and mistakes.

And about Kimi; i think its a wise decision for leaving McLaren. Kimi was definately ready for something new and maybe even a car without engine failures. You never know maybe there will be some changes around Ferrari!

KiMiFaN · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 10:48 am Post subject:

Vera wrote:

Don't know why, but

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He looks happy...bless!

I would kill anybody if i knew what they said to each other Twisted Evil

Vera · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 10:59 am Post subject:

Formula 1 will be Schumacher-less, but not less interesting and exciting sport, because it's like a law of nature - old ones go, young ones take their place, otherwise the evolution stagnates.

I'm not sad he's leaving, I can openly admit it, though I DO respect his achievements and what he had done, I admit he is a great driver, though he did some bad things in the past, but yeah, he is a symbol of modern F1. Let's see if anyone else can become an icon for half of the world.
But Formula 1 will go on even without Schumi, that'a a fact.

Vera · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 11:00 am Post subject:

KiMiFaN wrote:

I would kill anybody if i knew what they said to each other Twisted Evil

*So now it's your turn to stand on the first step of the poduim listtening to the Italian national anthem, mate* Wink

*runs*

SweetShadowAngel · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 12:16 pm Post subject:

Vera wrote:

KiMiFaN wrote:

I would kill anybody if i knew what they said to each other Twisted Evil

*So now it's your turn to stand on the first step of the poduim listtening to the Italian national anthem, mate* Wink

*runs*

I think it was something like *Be happy! Next year you can do what you want at the circuit - You're driving for F-IA-rri*

Wow. It’s very difficult for me to tell you all my thoughts of this weekend, but I must try it: What is FIA doing? I think they should change the rules for Qualifying! “Last session: the fastest ten cars have 15 minutes to get the best time – but they must drive behind both ferraris“ ? Maybe we should change qualifiyng modus again? Something like “Ferrari get the first and second place on the grid – all the other drivers have a qualifying session to get the positions behind them“ ? Congratulations Mr. Schumacher for the 8th Championship title! I hope FIA is happy about the day. I mean: what a wonderful film! The great Michael Schumacher wins in Italy and tell the world about his retirement! It’s very strange that they have not done something for him to get the pole position. Was there no way to give Kimi a penalty for breathing itlian air? Well, Mr. Andrews and the both italian guys: You have not done a perfect job this weekend. But don’t worry – there are three races left for doing it better. ;-)
But I don’t want to be angry: I’m so thankful that you allowed Renault to repair the car after the tire damage!
May be I am paranoid or too emotional because of Fernando, but it’s not normal, isn’t it?
If Michael decided to stay – I think I wouldn’t watch the races next season, although Heikki has an cockpit. That’s not sport anymore to say it with Alonso‘ words. FIA is doing what they, especially Ferrari/Michael, wants. That’s not fun! I hope they will concentrate on the sport and do their right job next season! It’s only a little hope, but, well, it’s a hope!

Damn.. nine laps.. How does it mean? Life is unfair – kill yourself or get over it! I don't like the first option, so.. Go Fernando!!

Lady · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 2:48 pm Post subject:

Absolutely agree with SweetShadowAngel and the others! Digusted with the FIA for giving Alonso this penalty - I'm not his fan, but that was just ludicrous. What is so damn important about Michael and his win number whatever???? he's gonna go whatever the outcome!!! Is that because they are racing in Italy?? how about doing the same for, say, Brazilian drivers in Brazil or British drivers and the team in Britain??? I'm very mad, my only consolation is, as I said, that he'll go whatever happens, and we have ony 180 laps maximum to endure of him (yes, I have counted Laughing

) Not Alonso's fan, but really, Go Fernando, kick his ass!!!

PS Louise Goodman to Flavio Briatore: Flavio, will you miss Michael?
Flavio: Not at all, I won't miss him at all!! Laughing

Copy that, Flav!! Laughing

_________________

KiMiFaN · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 3:40 pm Post subject:

Though for the F1 icon i will miss him. I don't think Kimi will approve to Ferrari's way of winning do you? I mean he doesnt even shout at Monteiro when he pushed him off the track last year!! He just walked back to the pits and said this could happen.

He's such a nice guy! Embarassed