According to Helsingin Sanomat, one of the largest finnish newspapers, Kimi's managers are still in negotiations with mercedes.
Hmm, it may be a respectable newspaper, but I've only ever heard Finnish F1 scoops coming from Tarun Sanomat or sometimes MTV3, so I'm not convinced about that quote. Someone on Autosport speculated a few hours ago that it could be a mangled translation of the quote AMuS had from Haug earlier, something along the lines of "Kimi has my number if he wants to call", which I think is more likely as there isn't really any background reference to this paper when it comes to F1 news.
So basically who knows whats happening, every other story seems to be contradicting each other.
Thought I'd add in my 2 cents on the Red Bull 2011 option....well as this Silly Season has shown, anything is possible. It could very well happen. But when you read articles relating to it, its always just speculation from journos, never any specific scoop from a source. I reckon this is because IIRC the only drivers out of contract next year from the "top" teams are Webber and Massa, and obviously Ferrari isn't going to be an option. Raikkonen says he would return in 2011 if it was with a top team, only one feasible seat is theoretically available, so journalists put 2 & 2 together. However, there is no guarantee that it will actually happen, probability is that other drivers who didn't take a year out will also be looking for a top seat, and of course Red Bull may decide to keep Webber for another year if he performs well. And, no one has come forward claiming they have a source that says Red Bull are interested, aside from that wackjob on the Autosport forums.
BTW James Allen posted today in his
Raikkonen article quite an interesting theory he had on those 'Kimi to Red Bull for 2010' rumours I metioned a couple of months back.
Raikkonen may want to come back in 2011, but there may not be many winning seats available. Massa?s contract will be up, but I can?t see them going back over that road with Kimi. The most obvious choice for me would be Red Bull. I think the rumours this Autumn about Raikkonen possibly taking Mark Webber?s seat next year were based on Kimi?s people shaking the tree to see if anything came of it.
It could well be possible actually, from their viewpoint it would be worth a try when Webber went through that patch with no points, and the rumours didn't originate from Red Bull as Christian Horner shot it down as ever being an option. If Allen is right (and of course, its only speculation), it would at least show that they were interested in Red Bull, although its another matter if Red Bull were interested or not, especially at the price that Raikkonen is asking.
Eeesh, that was a long post! Only 5 hours a week of lectures/seminars gives you plenty of time to follow the Silly Season, I tell you! :lol: