Alonso signing leads to Formula 1 reshuffle
Published: 01 October, 2009, 11:41
Fernando Alonso answers questions during an interview session at the paddock of the Suzuka circuit for the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix (AFP Photo / Toshifumi Kitamura)
Several Formula 1 drivers could soon be on the move after Ferrari revealed they have signed former double world champion Fernando Alonso.
The Italian team say they have signed the Spaniard on a three-year deal starting from next year, with the fee reported to be in the region of €25 million.
A pay rise for the driver is to be envied as Alonso currently sits on a paltry €8.5 million at Renault.
“I’m very happy and very proud to become a Ferrari driver,” said the Spaniard. “Driving a single-seater from the Prancing Horse is everybody’s dream in this sport and today I have the opportunity to make this dream come true. Above all I want to thank Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, who really wanted this three-year contract,” Fernando Alonso told the official F1 website.
The move could spark several other drivers to move teams, with Alonso most likely to be replaced by rising star Robert Kubica from Poland.
He currently drives for BMW-Sauber, but his team plans to withdraw from Formula 1 next year.
Alonso's arrival at Ferrari means the impending departure of Kimi Raikkonen. The Flying Finn, who won the championship in 2007, is tipped to join McLaren.
“I am very sad to be leaving a team with which I have spent three fantastic years, during which time I won plenty of races,” Kimi Raikkonen said.
28.09.2009, 19:29
Alonso to oust Raikkonen at Ferrari?Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso may soon step into a Ferrari race car, Sky Sports reports. |
03.10.2009, 12:12
Barrichello to start ahead of Button in JapanRed Bull's Sebastian Vettel has taken pole position for the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix. On an incident-strewn day of several crashes, Vettel won pole with a time of 1 minute, 32.16 seconds. |
