Kubica "inks" Ferrari "Option" for 2011...

[markb]

Kubica inks Ferrari 'option' for 2011 - report
Racing series      F1
Date    2010-05-07

By Motorsport.com/GMM

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According to the Italian sports daily Tuttosport, there is substance to the rumours linking Robert Kubica with Ferrari.

The Turin-published newspaper believes Renault's Polish driver has signed some sort of document with the Maranello based team.

The report said the "option" on the 25-year-old's services for 2011 must be taken up by Ferrari by July 15 of this year -- between the British and German grands prix.

Kubica told reporters in Barcelona that he is concerned that Renault's closest rivals could catch up or pull away this weekend.

He admitted he was hoping to see "a bigger upgrade" for the R30 in Spain.

"Most of the teams are normally targeting a big upgrade for Barcelona and I hope just they don't bring three, four (tenths), half a second, to here.

"If they do we might be a bit more in trouble but we'll see," added Kubica.

[aazz]

This sounds interesting. I can't imagine Kubica playing second fiddle to anyone including Alonso. I wonder how it would pan out next year at Ferrari if this does happen?

[Jericoke]

This sounds interesting. I can't imagine Kubica playing second fiddle to anyone including Alonso. I wonder how it would pan out next year at Ferrari if this does happen?

I think, given McLaren going with Button/Hamilton, and Mercedes going with Rosberg/Schumacher, that the trend will be for teams to go for two top drivers, rather than a clear #1 and #2. 

The question isn't whether Kubica will choose to be in Alonso's shadow, but rather if Alonso is okay with a second rooster in the hen house.  (And, honestly, if it means more action like cutting off Massa into the pits, it does sound interesting)

[cosworth151]

Or, it could be a straight swap, with Ferd doing another "one year gone then back to Renault."

[Scott]

Yeah, I was thinking that everyone just assumes it would be Alonzo with Kubica...I thought Massa was the 'chosen one' at Ferrari (at least that's what some people say  ).  Massa would be with Alonzo in points had Alonzo not pulled that nasty move.  Maybe they are going to see where Massa and Alonzo are after the British GP and decide then who they want to pay off.

[Williamsfan]

Kubica would be a massive asset for Ferrari so I am not surprised to see these reports.  I assume it would be Massa who moves as although he is a big figure in the team, I think Alonso is Luca's preferred driver.

[Jericoke]

Kubica would be a massive asset for Ferrari so I am not surprised to see these reports.  I assume it would be Massa who moves as although he is a big figure in the team, I think Alonso is Luca's preferred driver.

Hmm.

Without testing to spend their money on, maybe Ferrari's strategy is to simply buy up all the competitive drivers, and then force them to sit out.  Kimi and Massa can form a 'Shadow Ferrari' team.  (Haug will probably lend them Schumacher too...)

Or perhaps Ferrari is still planning on running a third car.  (And once again I will wonder why Ferrari doesn't just open a second team, like Red Bull did.  Or just buy STR)

[Chris Borg]

http://www.crash.net/f1/news/159455/1/kubica_has_signed_ferrari_option_reports_claim.html

[markb]

Quote from Chris's link above...

"The story has arguably gained credibility in the wake of the Chinese Grand Prix last time out, when Alonso aggressively and single-mindedly barged his way past the sister scarlet machine on the entry to the Shanghai pit-lane, unceremoniously elbowing his team-mate aside and onto the grass and thereby making sure that his Ferrari was the one to be serviced first during the flurry of pit-stops following the emergence of the safety car – leaving Massa to sit in-line and wait. The pair finished the race respectively fourth (Alonso) and ninth – the difference between twelve points and just two."

If Kubica is on his way to Ferrari, it is still "wide open" in regard to WHICH drive makes way for him but,if Alonso's not careful, ...............it could be HIM!

[John S]

I think this is just the same old story about Kubica and Ferrari, sounds to me like Robert was put on stanby with an option as insurance in case Massa did not recover his form after last years injuries. Ferrari were seriously compromised last year following the accident and will have made sure thay are not in the same position again, I know they have Fischi but they will also have looked at other options. My evidence is the relativly short deadline to the option expiry, to me it seems this option was signed much earlier, maybe even last year.

Santander took their very big bucks to Ferrari because of Alonso, if he is sacked they will no doubt have clauses to get them out of their deal, they have been caught out once before at McLaren so will have learnt from it.

[Scott]

You could be right John.  This could also be the beginning of the Alonzo-like 3yr speculation about Kubica moving to Ferrari - it probably won't happen in 2011.

If I was Massa though, I'd be scheduling a meeting with management to get them to clarify my contract terms. 

[Dare]

You could be right John.  This could also be the beginning of the Alonzo-like 3yr speculation about Kubica moving to Ferrari - it probably won't happen in 2011.

If I was Massa though, I'd be scheduling a meeting with management to get them to clarify my contract terms. 

Only problem is F1 contracts aren't worth the
paper their signed on

[Jericoke]

You could be right John.  This could also be the beginning of the Alonzo-like 3yr speculation about Kubica moving to Ferrari - it probably won't happen in 2011.

If I was Massa though, I'd be scheduling a meeting with management to get them to clarify my contract terms. 

Only problem is F1 contracts aren't worth the
paper their signed on

I don't know, Kimi's got the world's largest ice cream budget thanks to Ferrari.

I'm going to guess any NEW contracts Ferrari sign will be a little more team sided.  Massa would be safe, but anything Kubica signs will be more dubious.

[Williamsfan]

Kimi is the reason the Magnum ice cream brand are able to afford Benicio del Toro for their new 'Magnum Gold' adverts