News Update 11/09/2008

 

Mumm. Champagne & Performance: Kimi Raikkonen arrived with much fan fare at Ferrari replacing their 7-time world champion Michael Schumacher. The Espoo Express, Raikkonen, is regarded by many as one of the fastest drivers ever behind the wheel of a racing car. That reputation was translated into performance in his very first race for the prancing horse last year when he won the opening round in Australia. A strong late season charge helped him to overcome a 26-point deficit and claim the 2007 championship by one point in the final showdown in Sao Paulo.

What a difference a year makes? Fast forward to 2008 season and the pace and desire was failing. After scoring second win of the season in April in Spain, Raikkonen basically signed-off on the season and remained winless rest of the season. Though a possible win in Canada was “rear-ended” by Lewis Hamilton in the pit lane and another victory in France was “exhausted” by a broken pipe.  

Scuderia Ferrari surprised many by not only keeping Kimi but extending his contract. Teammate Massa’s six wins and strong run for the title this year makes him one of the clear favorites for 2009. Will Raikkonen rise to the challenge both from within and outside his team or will he fade away like other one-time world champions like James Hunt, Jody Scheckter and Alan Jones?

 Birth of a salesman or death of a calendar? Host with the most, Clark Rodgers aka “Francois”, proudly offers for sale the 2009 Motorsport Memories Powered by Turbo calendar at the recent Nor Cal Rotax Championship gala at Infineon Raceway. Calendar is a tribute to the flame throwing 1,000hp engines of the turbo era, which began at Silverstone with Renault and Jean-Pierre Jabouille. The same combination rode into history by winning on home soil in 1979 at Dijon-Prenois, but the real boost was taking place behind Jabouille between his teammate Rene Arnoux and Canadian Ferrari star Gilles Villeneuve.

Powered by Turbo features Ayrton Senna in a Toleman, Alain Prost in a Renault and McLaren, Nelson Piquet in a Brabham, Michele Alboreto in a Ferrari, Nigel Mansell in his JPS-Lotus, Keke Rosberg in Williams and others.

English captions are professionally translated in French and German. Now available thru our merchandise page.

McLaren’Simon Roberts goes to Force India
Button wants Rubens Barrichello to stay.
Montoya says No to second Toro Rosso seat.
Kolles and Gascoyne leave Force India!