People say that money does not bring happiness, but when looking at rich Finns one tends to realise that it does not always bring opinions, either. However, if one has nothing to say, maybe it is better to remain silent.

This wisdom has been absorbed at least by Formula One world champion Kimi Räikkönen, number one driver among the new rich of the nation.

[via Helsingin Sanomat]

The former F1-driver Mika Salo doesn't have to think for long when he was asked about the biggest WDC-favourite when looking at the beginning formula season.

- I predict Kimi to be number 1. The fight will be between Kimi and Hamilton next year too, Salo predicts.

Salo doesn't believe that Felipe Massa could stand up to Räikkönen in the Ferrari-team.

- Kimi is motivated and the last season must have annoyed him. I'm surprised that Massa could drive for even one season as good as he drove last year. When it comes to speed Kimi is clearly ahead of Massa if everything is in order, Salo knows.

Heikki Kovalainen's situation in the McLaren-team makes Salo wonder.

- Heikki has a good team behind him but unfortunately there is also a WDC in the team who has a huge self-confidence. Heikki has to beat Hamilton before he can even dream about winning, Salo reminded.

Salo hopes that Kovalainen wouldn't be put in the 2nd driver's position in McLaren.

- Although it's not a bad position in McLaren to be the 2nd driver. Heikki has to be ready to win if Hamilton has a DNF. Last year it only happened once even though there would have been many other opportunities to win races, Salo said.

[via MTV3]

There are reports in Germany this morning that Kimi Raikkonen has signed an option to join Ferrari in 2007. This option is almost certainly dependent on whether or not Michael Schumacher is still with the team or whether the German retires or moves to another F1 operation. The signs are that Schumacher will not retire and, given a story in the same newspaper on the previous day, wants more money from Ferrari. This suggestion would seem to negate the second story as Raikkonen is unlikely to go to Ferrari while Michael is still there.

What is clear from all of this is that the leaks in the German press are part of the negotiating process but what is not clear is who is leaking what to whom. What it all means is probably not yet decided but the stories are designed to sway the opinions of those involved. It could be that Ferrari does not want to pay Michael what he wants and so is leaking Raikkonen stories. At the same time stories linking Michael with McLaren could be just scare tactics to get Ferrari to cough up.

When a deal is done we will know.

It is worth noting that back in July, Ron Dennis made the point of telling the F1 media that Kimi Raikkonen would be best served staying where he is as most of the World Champions in the last 20 years have been successful because they have not jumped around between the teams. This is a fair point, but why did Ron feel the need to mention it?

[source]

Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen swapped tarmac for snow at the weekend as he made his debut in the punishing Arctic Lapland Rally. Fellow Finns Mika Hakkinen and Mika Salo were among the other Formula One names taking part.

Raikkonen looked very much at home in the freezing conditions. Along with co-driver Kaj Lindstrom, he steered his Fiat Grande Punto S2000 to 13th place overall, finishing the three-day event in a total time of 2h, 7m, 48s, less than 10 minutes down on winner Juha Salo.

Hakkinen was not far behind. The former double world champion, at the wheel of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9, came home 19th in what was his fourth appearance in the rally. Salo was less fortunate, retiring his similar Mitsubishi with technical problems.

[via f1.com]