As reported by both Spanish (Diario AS) and Italian media (Autosprint and Gazzetta dello Sport) in recent days, Alonso is likely to replace the Fin at Ferrari next year, with the official confirmation due to come in September this year. Just like the Spaniard, however, Raikkonen's answer was as short and as clear .
“You ask the same question (as usual), so I will give you the same answer – I have a contract with the team. Maybe you can ask them (Ferrari) if there are any changes planned,” Raikkonen told a member of the international media in the Ferrari motor home on Thursday, as reported by the GMM news agency.
The 2007 world champion has signed a 2-year deal with the Scuderia in the late stages of the 2008 season, holding him at Ferrari until the end of 2010. Should the Italian officials decide to make the switch next year, they'll have to pay the Fin no less than 28 million euros, his entire contract for 2010.
It is believed part of that money will be handed to the Scuderia by soon-to-be sponsors Grupo Santander. The Spanish banking company have been long-time sponsors of Alonso ever since he drove for Renault, and its boss Emilio Botin revealed last year that they will take their sponsorship money away from Woking (McLaren) and into Maranello starting 2010.
Raikkonen also put an end to the rallying rumors, as he insisted he only does these one-offs (confirmed at the WRC round in Finland) for fun.
“Just because I am doing this rally, it doesn't mean I don't want to continue in F1 next year. I would have done some rallies a long time ago but I could not. It's just because Ferrari is kind enough to let me do the rallies that I am doing them now,” added the Fin.
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