Scuderia Ferrari officially confirms Raikkonen for 2014 to partner with Fernando Alonso

Maranello, 11 September 2013: Scuderia Ferrari announces that it has reached an agreement with Kimi Raikkonen. The Finn will join Fernando Alonso in the driver line–up for the next two racing seasons.

Kimi Raikkonen was delighted to comment on the two year deal with former team Ferrari after facing financial instability with his current team Lotus.

Kimi Raikkonen commented “I am really happy to be returning to Maranello where I previously spent three fantastic and very successful years,” 

I have so many memories of my time at Ferrari, memories which have stayed with me these past years, first and foremost, winning the World Championship title in 2007, which was really unforgettable. I can’t wait to be driving a Prancing Horse car again and to reacquaint myself with so many people with whom I had such close links, as well as working with Fernando, whom I consider a great driver, in order to bring the team the success it deserves.”

Stefano Domenicali, Ferrari´s team principal welcomed back Kimi Raikkonen to the team and also thanked outgoing driver Felipe Massa for his incredible support in the last 8seasons.

Stefano Domenicali, commented: “I am pleased to welcome Kimi back to the Scuderia, the team with which he won his world championship title. I sense he is very happy to be returning to Maranello and very determined to tackle the work that awaits him in the best way possible.”

"I wish to thank Felipe with all my heart and also on behalf of all our fans around the world, for the extraordinary job he has done for the team over so many years, Felipe has always behaved like a real team player. Together we have lived through some great times and also a few dramatic moments, which have helped to cement a truly unique relationship on both a professional and personal level. He will always be part of our family and we wish him all the very best for the future. Now we must concentrate all our efforts on the remaining seven races of the season and we know that, as always, we can count on Felipe’s contribution, while we work together to reach our goals. Our determination will not waver one iota right to the very end.” 

Fernando Alonso also thanks relieving team mate Massa and echoed his feelings on his new partner for 2014: “I want to thank Felipe for all the support he has given me and the team during this journey we have made together over all these years. Come the end of the season, it will not be easy to say goodbye to a team–mate like him. He has always been truly professional and loyal to the team and I am sure that right to the end, he will do his utmost for the Scuderia that he loves so much. 

I’d like to welcome my new travelling companion: together, starting next year, we will have to tackle a very demanding technical and racing challenge.” 

Also to be remembered that Ferrari prematurely terminated a 4 year contract of Kimi Raikkonen paying millions of dollars in 2010 to bring in Fernando Alonso to the team and chose to retain Massa who survived a near fatal accident in 2009.

Ferrari pairing two world champions in their team after a very long time has created enormours shockwaves and will become the strongest line–up on the grid for 2014.