Raikkonen signs one year deal with Mercedes

[Astro1]

Though not confirmed,!

Reports in the Brazilian press, are that Raikkonen has signed a one year deal with Mercedes after the Button deal was reported to be final.

Timesonline.co.uk as well as Brazilian publications originating from a TV telecast are suggesting the deal is done.

http://ferrarif1forum.com/2009/11/19/ra ... rcedes-f1/

I find it entirely plausible after Raikkonen's manager said that a deal with Mercedes was not out of the question, provided that they agreed to meet Raikkonens terms.

[Astro1]

Several publications are picking up on this story. Though strangely some are posting that Kimi is going to Rally still.

[sunny1304]

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/n ... 2717.shtml

[Astro1]

Yeah, conflicting reports are being circulated all over.

One says one thing another something else.

Sky Sports has just posted "Raikkonen open to Mercedes"

[raceman]

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/n ... 2717.shtml

seems now the Champ himself has denied this, though wish this could be the case [-o<

[Tiakumosan]

This was said in SporTV yesterday night here in Brazil. Then I checked on the internet and found nothing.

[ISLAMATRON]

*pending Nico's approval

[lebesset]

one top team desperately needs a top driver until they can get the driver they want
only one top driver without a seat
question is , will they pay his price ?

[segedunum]

This driver saga has been so bizarre I'll believe it when Mercedes actually announce something - which they haven't done about either driver slot. It seems logical from Raikkonen and Mercedes's point of view but there are a few things that could derail it, and money shouldn't be one of them, especially if they can offer Raikkonen what they allegedly say they offered Button.

As for Raikkonen's comments about not joining Brawn, I think he is cleverly sounding them out and the comments on 'wanting a German team' cleverly puts the ball in Mercedes's court. I don't think Raikkonen or his manager had considered it an option before.

I think the rumours about Rosberg are well wide of the mark. There is no way Ross Brawn would give a young, unproven driver like Rosberg that kind of political weight within the team. A line up of Rosberg and Heidfeld against Button, Hamilton, Massa, Alonso, Vettel and Webber is going to fill no one with dread, even if Mercedes have a good car.

[vall]

Kimmi + Rosberg is probably the best combination Merc could get at this moment. Unless they manage to buy out Vettel, which I doubt. Just I doubt Red Bull with let him go. Their ambitions ate high and Vettel is the right guy for the job. Besides, ousted by Ferreri Kimmi may find new motivation.

[Fil]

Kubica is still a remote possibility if Renault decides to pullout.
He was in talks with Brawn but wanted a security in a seat over waiting for Button's decision.. a real shame he was so hasty (now that we're blessed with hindsight!).

Just to throw a name out there, what about their old test driver Davidson? could he be the surprise signing? He was much loved by the team..