Toyota admits Räikkönen negotiations
#1
10-19-2009, 07:57 PM
Toyota admits Räikkönen negotiations
Formula One news: Toyota admits Räikkönen negotiations - GPUpdate.net Formula One
The Toyota team is currently negotiating with 2007 Champion Kimi Räikkönen with a hope of signing the Finn as ahead of the 2010 season. The Cologne-based outfit has made no secret that it wishes to start the New Year with a completely new driver-line up, meaning Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock would have to look elsewhere.
According to Toyota Motorsport President John Howett, the red and white Japanese manufacturer has already proposed an offer for former Champion and current Ferrari driver Räikkönen although it is understood that manager Steve Robertson is hoping for a higher bid in terms of salary.
"We don't play too many games," Howett told Reuters. "We put on the table what we can afford and what we think it is a serious offer in the current market. I think, genuinely, we could work well with him and give him a car that's quick.
"We have had very good relationships with Scandinavian drivers that enjoy life in the rallying times and it works very well, so we could cope with it as a team."
With Räikkönen moving out of Ferrari to make way for fellow Champion Fernando Alonso, an all-new line-up for Toyota would not be new as the squad did the same following its debut F1 season in 2002.
The Toyota team is currently negotiating with 2007 Champion Kimi Räikkönen with a hope of signing the Finn as ahead of the 2010 season. The Cologne-based outfit has made no secret that it wishes to start the New Year with a completely new driver-line up, meaning Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock would have to look elsewhere.
According to Toyota Motorsport President John Howett, the red and white Japanese manufacturer has already proposed an offer for former Champion and current Ferrari driver Räikkönen although it is understood that manager Steve Robertson is hoping for a higher bid in terms of salary.
"We don't play too many games," Howett told Reuters. "We put on the table what we can afford and what we think it is a serious offer in the current market. I think, genuinely, we could work well with him and give him a car that's quick.
"We have had very good relationships with Scandinavian drivers that enjoy life in the rallying times and it works very well, so we could cope with it as a team."
With Räikkönen moving out of Ferrari to make way for fellow Champion Fernando Alonso, an all-new line-up for Toyota would not be new as the squad did the same following its debut F1 season in 2002.
#4
10-20-2009, 04:32 AM
Although I "hate" Mclaren and Lewis, my no.1 is Kimi and if Mclaren is what he needs to win, so be it.....
#6
10-20-2009, 09:14 AM
I kinda like the idea of a team with no wins signing a proven race winner, everyone loves seeing a new team win right?
#9
10-20-2009, 10:41 AM
well, does he want to win another WDC or does he want to make boat loads of cash before retiring to screw and fish?