Domenicali: Kimi can do a Rossi

Richards: Not the right time to buy a F1 team Ferrari willing to power Honda Singapore set for a revamp De la Rosa wants F1 race-seat Gillett eager to implement his dream Donington moves a step closer to the British GP Fry confident Honda will find a buyer Teams support Mosley's call for reduced costs Mosley's letter to FOTA Max calls for more cost-cutting

Tuesday 4th November 2008

Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali is confident Kimi Raikkonen can do a Valentino Rossi next season and come back from a disappointing campaign to win the title.

After grabbing the World title by one point over Lewis Hamilton last season, Raikkonen's quest to retain the crown was quickly derailed.

The Finn struggled to find the pace needed to win races, winning just two of the 18 events held this season. He eventually finished the Championship in third place, 23 points behind Hamilton.

"I think for sure this year was a difficult year for him," said Domenicali in the wake of the season-ending Brazilian GP where Ferrari clinched the Constructors' Championship.

"But he is happy because we won together as a team, and he is looking forward to starting again, because for sure this is not the one that he knows."

The Ferrari team boss cites Valentino Rossi's return to the top of MotoGP this season as an example for Raikkonen to follow.

After missing out on the title in 2006 and 2007, Rossi, who will test for Ferrari in November, fought back to win his eight crown this season.

"A lot of people were talking last season about Valentino Rossi being finished this year, and he has actually done a lot," said Domenicali.

"So I am expecting the same kind of approach (from Raikkonen) in 2009."

Your Comments

KubicaFTW

"Why's Kimi made to look like an alcoholic? It's funny how some Hamilton fans use it against him, seeing as most of those are English and we don't exactly have a good reputation for drinking sensibly. Kimi had a terrible season, that happens to drivers sometimes, next year he should be back to his usual self. After all, Ferrari renewed his contract and they wouldn't have done that unless they had faith in him - and their opinion on his prospects kind of trumps ours."

ilAlfisto

"I expected that MASSA was going to be the one who had problems without traction-control. I'm not sure that Kimi's right foot is up to the task, but we'll know by the end of next year..."