http://www.crash.net/f1/news/194741/1/brundle_raikkonen_is_bluffing_red_bull.html Is Martin trying to do a Jordan here? Is Kimi really still in for a shot at red bull?
Kimi Raikkonen failed to show up at Spa today because of illness, according to Lotus. However, the team insists that he will be present on Friday. His absence has led to speculation that Kimi doesn’t want to face a barrage of media questioning about his future – but that doesn’t make a lot of sense given that he has other media sessions scheduled on Friday and later in the weekend. If his absence is indeed out of choice rather than necessity then perhaps a more plausible explanation is that he is in effect on strike, given that as was the case last year the team is believed to be behind on salary payments. While missing Friday or any other track running will clearly harm his title campaign Raikkonen may well believe that he can skip Thursday without too much trouble, and in doing so cause some embarrassment to the team. A move is looking ever more likely.
i don't get why Kimi would want to go anywhere, Lotus seem to have a pretty good thing going right now.
They don't have the finances of the 'works' teams and if you beleive what is in the media, their overall financial position is very precarious as well. They do very well on the budget they have, but they don't have what they need to really mount a sustained assault on RBR/Ferrari/Mercedes
Despite Horner refusing to rule out Raikkonen as a candidate, Vettel admitted it won't be Kimi: Vettel: "Kimi excellent companion, but will not arrive in Red Bull". That would suggest a decision has already been made, which is backed up by Button's comments today ("I think Red Bull is done"). So looking like Ricciardo will get the seat.
Don't rule out Räikkönen for Red Bull yet. The biggest stumbling block to the deal is probably vigorous resistance from Vettel himself (and those close to him). In the mean time, my guess is that Räikkönen is playing his cards close to his chest in an effort to avoid an early raised eyebrow from Newey and dangerously clumsy paranoia from outspoken loud-mouth Marko. Mateschitz and Marko may not see eye to eye on this one; and for the sake of F1, contrary to what I believe are Marko's wishes, I personally hope the deal goes through! I also believe this is causing the delay on what was an expected announcement for Ricciardo having secured the seat.
Hope he does make it to RBR, That would be one kick-ass team. I hear Real Madrid are going to swoop in and pick him up in a last minute bid though. Arsenal tried, but their offer of £5.01 was rejected.
I really don't think money is the issue here, Bhaji; unless you measure currency in Austrian Markos…
