Rumours Kimi to Renault?

fasteric · 14 Sep 2010, 07:05 (Ref:2759109)

It looks like Kimi is making a play for a seat at Renault for 2011
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/86688

Marbot · 14 Sep 2010, 07:36 (Ref:2759118)

Great news! But where will Webber go?!

Super Hans · 14 Sep 2010, 08:29 (Ref:2759127)

I would be very happy with this.

Ralf's Girl · 14 Sep 2010, 08:48 (Ref:2759133)

I think it would be harsh on Petrov, regardless of who the replacement is. He's started to come good and has had some decent races recently - he looks worse than he is because he's up against Kubica, who has been driving out of his skin. It would be a shame if he didn't get another season, and it doesn't look like there'd be many options open to him if he leaves Renault.

**bella** · 14 Sep 2010, 08:51 (Ref:2759135)

and more importantly, how would they go from having petrov's budget to paying kimi's wages? sure kimi would bring in sponsorship but on a longer term basis than they'd be after, surely...

Super Hans · 14 Sep 2010, 09:04 (Ref:2759138)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ralf's Girl

I think it would be harsh on Petrov.

Renault aren't a charity.

Petrov has done reasonably well and is improving but Kimi is better.

MrTTraces · 14 Sep 2010, 09:54 (Ref:2759152)

The problem will be the contract negotiations, Kimi will inevitably want more ice cream then Renault will be prepared to offer!

Ralf's Girl · 14 Sep 2010, 10:03 (Ref:2759157)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super Hans

Renault aren't a charity.

Petrov has done reasonably well and is improving but Kimi is better.

For all they know, they'd be replacing an improving Petrov with a declining Raikkonen. Ferrari evidently didn't think he was good enough anymore and were perfectly happy to take a financial hit to get rid of him, and now he's been out of F1 for a year...is he actually a good long-term option?

And Bella makes the point about budget - Petrov has money and Raikkonen doesn't come cheap. From what was said last year, the reason he didn't go back to McLaren was that they weren't prepared to meet his wage demands, so would Renault really want to?

Super Hans · 14 Sep 2010, 10:08 (Ref:2759162)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ralf's Girl

For all they know, they'd be replacing an improving Petrov with a declining Raikkonen.

A declining Kimi is still better than an improving Petrov. Petrov has a shot at becoming a decent midfield driver. Kimi is in my opinion one of the greats.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ralf's Girl

Ferrari evidently didn't think he was good enough anymore and were perfectly happy to take a financial hit to get rid of him, and now he's been out of F1 for a year...is he actually a good long-term option?

Ferrari were right to consider Alonso a better option than Raikkonen but that doesn't mean that Raikkonen can't do a good job for another team. I think he'd be a good medium-term option for Renault.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ralf's Girl

And Bella makes the point about budget - Petrov has money and Raikkonen doesn't come cheap. From what was said last year, the reason he didn't go back to McLaren was that they weren't prepared to meet his wage demands, so would Renault really want to?

This might be the sticking point. As much as I love Kimi, he's going to have to take a hit in the wallet if he wants to come back. The days of $50m retainers are well behind him.

Wims · 14 Sep 2010, 10:23 (Ref:2759180)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ralf's Girl

For all they know, they'd be replacing an improving Petrov with a declining Raikkonen. Ferrari evidently didn't think he was good enough anymore and were perfectly happy to take a financial hit to get rid of him, and now he's been out of F1 for a year...is he actually a good long-term option?...

Are you sure it was that they didnt think he was good enough or do you think it was that they didnt think he would be quite as "professional" as Massa when it comes to yielding for their #1 driver in regards to team orders? Maybe Alonso didnt want him? I dont know.

Ferrari has traditionally been happy with hiring mediocre journeyman type drivers for their second car in recent years, think Irvine, Rubens and Massa.

Knowlesy · 14 Sep 2010, 10:37 (Ref:2759186)

So he is trying to bail out of his exciting new challenge already?

Oh dear.

**bella** · 14 Sep 2010, 10:41 (Ref:2759188)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super Hans

A declining Kimi is still better than an improving Petrov. Petrov has a shot at becoming a decent midfield driver. Kimi is in my opinion one of the greats.

was. i'm not convinced any more, not now he's seen the good life outside f1. he's a very very fast driver... when he wants to be and when he feels like he can commit to it. i'm not sure kubica would be deeply enthusiastic about having kimi as a teammate too - kubica is very much a leader within a team and kimi is one that people end up following, so that could possibly create some unwanted drama. petrov might not be as quick or an a-list name but he would be a consistent points scorer once he's actually got a decent amount of mileage behind him and got his head around the fact he doesn't have to throw it off to show he's trying. and the best way for a team to function from the point of view of avoiding drama (hello, red bull) and maximising points is to have a clear number one and a slower but solid number two to make sure they're up for the constructors as well as the drivers title.

**garcon** · 14 Sep 2010, 10:42 (Ref:2759189)

I'd much prefer him to stay in WRC if I'm honest. He is, steadily, getting up to speed - did well in Japan until one lapse sent him down a bank.

Wims · 14 Sep 2010, 10:47 (Ref:2759190)

Quote:

Originally Posted by garcon

I'd much prefer him to stay in WRC if I'm honest. He is, steadily, getting up to speed - did well in Japan until one lapse sent him down a bank.

He's pretty much always retiring tho. I dont really think that his managment having talks with F1 teams really means that he's moving to F1, its just about keeping the options open.

steve_r · 14 Sep 2010, 10:51 (Ref:2759193)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wims

Ferrari has traditionally been happy with hiring mediocre journeyman type drivers for their second car in recent years, think Irvine, Rubens and Massa.

Your being slightly harsh on Massa I feel. Mediocre Journeymen drivers do not get within quarter of a lap of a WDC.

But anyway, on topic, Raikonnen really should be on the grid somewhere, but is he willing to take a pay cut?

Spritle · 14 Sep 2010, 11:15 (Ref:2759199)

I'll bet you around 400 rubles Petrov will be back.

Besides, I don't see Kimi accepting anything but the exact deal he feels he is due.

Taprobane · 14 Sep 2010, 11:57 (Ref:2759214)

I'm sure Kimi won't be back. This is his management keeping him in the news.

davyboy · 14 Sep 2010, 12:08 (Ref:2759219)

Quote:

Originally Posted by garcon

I'd much prefer him to stay in WRC if I'm honest. He is, steadily, getting up to speed - did well in Japan until one lapse sent him down a bank.

I agree. Kimi in the WRC is the balls out win or crash character I remember from karting. His latter years in F1 were a lack lustre. He only seemed to be there to make money [lots of it] and at times looked irritated and bored. The second Renault seat needs to bring cash and unless Kimi can drag a fairy godmother sponsor along, it seems unlikely that he'll be there.

**Peter Mallett** · 14 Sep 2010, 12:16 (Ref:2759225)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spritle

I'll bet you around 400 rubles Petrov will be back.

Pst 8.50!

Super Hans · 14 Sep 2010, 12:28 (Ref:2759228)

Quote:

Originally Posted by davyboy

The second Renault seat needs to bring cash and unless Kimi can drag a fairy godmother sponsor along, it seems unlikely that he'll be there.

I reckon he'll bring backing from Smirnoff and Magnum.

VIVA GT · 14 Sep 2010, 12:28 (Ref:2759229)

Hmm. How big a success has the last ex-Ferrari WDC made of his recent comeback?

davyboy · 14 Sep 2010, 12:36 (Ref:2759231)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super Hans

I reckon he'll bring backing from Smirnoff and Magnum.

I guess vodka and these people's products are in keeping with Kimi's image

Super Hans · 14 Sep 2010, 12:47 (Ref:2759234)

Quote:

Originally Posted by VIVA GT

Hmm. How big a success has the last ex-Ferrari WDC made of his recent comeback?

Yeah but Kimi's 10 years younger than Schumacher and was winning Grands Prix as recently as 12 months ago.

rusty46 · 14 Sep 2010, 12:52 (Ref:2759237)

how about looking within renault and let Jérôme d'Ambrosio have a crack. Rather than let him disappear down the Virgin route. Kimi for me lacks passion.

stripedcat · 14 Sep 2010, 13:44 (Ref:2759259)

I'd like to see Kimi back, only in a competitive car though. I am sorry for Petrov as he has been improving recently. Does Kimi have the motivation nowadays? He is a great driver(remember most of his Spa drives), but does he want F1 anymore?

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