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After much speculation, Kimi Raikkonen was confirmed as Ferrari‘s driver for 2014. With many drivers and fans claiming that the Alonso-Raikkonen pairing might be a ticking time bomb, Alonso has come out to say that Kimi was the best option for the team.
Alonso, who replaced Kimi in 2010, has said that he suggested hiring Kimi after he learnt of the team’s decision to change the lineup. “I was always informed about all the team’s movements. It’s true that until the last moment the team didn’t make a decision, and when they decided it was better to change Felipe they asked me what was my opinion and my opinion was that Kimi was the best out there in the market, especially with many changes for next year. ” he said.
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“In terms of developing the car in January and February a team-mate that has been in Formula One for many years is important and the team chose Kimi so I am happy.” he added.
Alonso, who has had Massa as his only teammate during his tenure at Ferrari, has said that he will continue racing the same way and will not be swayed by incoming Raikkonen. He said: “The motivation will always be similar. I will do my best all the time and sometimes you deliver the results people expect and sometimes not, but I don’t think that anyone will push me more than what I push now.”
Alonso’s reaction to his pairing with Raikkonen was: “Having two world champions doesn’t make any difference. It’s something that you (the media) keep writing and many people try to say, which was exactly the same as what people said when I arrived here with Felipe, because he had been at Ferrari for many years already. People said it would be a very difficult relationship but after four years he is one of the best friends I have here.”
“Felipe I consider to be a world champion as well, it’s not like ( Raikkonen’s) one title will change anything when I’m pushing. Felipe was world champion when he crossed the line in 2008 so it’s not like he is a rookie driver.” the Spaniard added.
