14/07/2009
NEWS STORY
Not for the first time, there is widespread speculation in the media concerning the futures of Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso. However, has Renault already given us a clue as to the Spaniard's plans for 2010?
With Raikkonen due to contest the 1000 Lakes Rally later this month, his WRC debut, it is no surprise that sections of the media are now claiming that the Finn will be quitting F1 at the end of the year and making a full-time switch to rallying. Despite statements to the contrary, both from the man and his team, it has been clear for sometime that the Finn's heart is no longer 100% in F1.
On the other hand, Alonso remains hungry, and clearly wants to add to his two titles, and while the Spaniard has been linked with Ferrari for as long as we can remember, at long last it appears that the move will really happen.
Ferrari is known to enjoy using the weekend of the Italian Grand Prix to make announcements, indeed, one only has to think back to 2006 when the Maranello outfit revealed F1's worst kept secret, that Michael Schumacher was to retire and Kimi Raikkonen was to fill his seat.
While Ferrari is refusing to make any comment about its driver line-up for 2010, insisting that both current drivers are under contract, perhaps we should be paying attention to a press release issued by Renault last week.
In it, the French team revealed that Alonso will be taking part in a Renault Roadshow in his home town of Oviedo, just one week before the Italian Grand Prix.
"I'm really excited that the Roadshow will visit my home town," said the Spaniard. "Driving my car in the city where I was born will feel special. It's also a nice way for me to thank my fans for all the support they have given me over the years."
What better way for Alonso and Renault to bid one another goodbye, ahead of the official confirmation of the next phase of his career just one week later, at Monza.