Kimi Räikkönen Leaves Formula One

Kimi July 25, 2009

After failing to find a car for 2010, Ferrari’s world champion has announced that he is to leave F1 for rallying. He leaves the sport after nine seasons.  He was forced to leave Ferrari in order to make room for Fernando Alonso. There were talks of Räikkönen moving to a different team, but his rumored salary is close to $50 million and is not reflective of  his last two seasons’ performances.

There are rumors of Räikkönen continue his career in rallying.

Kimi July 31, 2009

Source: www.jalopnik.com

Photo Credit: Mark Thompson/Getty Images, Massimo Bettiol/Getty Images

Alonso Signs 5 Year Deal with Ferrari

Fernando Alonso

Two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso has signed a 5 year deal with Ferrari believed to worth 25 million Euros per year.

The news comes as a shock to no one as rumors of Alonso making the move to Ferrari have been around for years and have become even more prevalent lately.

The deal is most likely going to displace Kimi Raikkonen from the Italian team while Robert Kubica will be filling the void left by Alonso at Renault.

Source: PlanetF1.com

Ferrari Scrambles as Questionable Diffuser Design Ruled Legal

Formula 1 Diffuser

The complaints over the double-decker rear diffuser designs have been rejected as the diffusers were ruled legal by the FIA’s International Court of Appeal. Brawn, Toyota and Williams were all using the different diffusers which are believed to give the cars at least a half second advantage per lap.

Following the recent ruling, Ferrari stated that they have no choice but to modify the Ferrari F60 in 2009 in order to be able to compete.

Ferrari have gotten off to a horrible 2009 campaign as team drivers Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen haven’t secured even one point in the first two races.

Source: Formula1.com

Nico Rosberg Fastest in First Melbourne Practice Round

Nico Rosberg of Williams-Toyota had the fastest lap in the first 90 minute practice session. His fastest lap was set at 1:26.687. Teammate Kazuki Nakajima had the second fastest lap of 1:26.736, which was 0.049 seconds behind Rosberg. Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen finished 3rd with a time of 1:26.750. Brawn GP team driver Rubens Barrichello had the 4th fastest lap at 1:27.226. The pre-race favorite, Jenson Button, also of Brawn GP, maintained the 6th best lap with 1:27.467.