In late April, a report from “Business Book GP” named Ferrari the biggest spenders of the 2011 F1 series, with an annual budget of almost 6 times the money put in by Hispania Racing F1 Team. In addition, some voices hinted that Fernando Alonso's retainer as a Ferrari-an is close to EUR 26 million.
“With Spring coming into bloom, allergies become ever more acute,” started the Italian columnist. “(...) The Horse Whisper’s nose got particularly ticklish when reading figures relating to how much the so-called experts reckoned that Felipe and Fernando took off Ferrari: for example, the Spaniard is reckoned to touch EUR 26 million which is obviously pure fantasy.”
As for the “big spenders” rumors/reports in the UK, the columnist added: “The visionaries from across the Channel, always ready to point the finger at Maranello as the biggest spenders, would do well to look closer to home.”
Finally, Ferrari's whisperer also denied rumors that Felipe Massa's seat with the Scuderia is in danger.
“It (the rumor) dates back to 2006, when Felipe was first a Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver that this virulent allergy has led people to speculate whether this driver or that one will replace the Brazilian. In a mutation of the allergy for 2011, no less than three names are put forward for candidature: Mark Webber, a constant name on the list since the start of the year, then Jenson Button, joining the ranks in China and now, we also have Nico Rosberg. Needless to say, it is just rubbish, the sort that gives you really bad allergies.”
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