Manager outlines Räikkönen’s racing plans

Kimi Räikkönen’s current racing agenda has been outlined to GPUpdate.net this week by the Finn’s long-term manager, Steve Robertson. The 18-time Grand Prix winner is currently contesting the World Rally Championship (WRC) with ICE 1 Racing and will continue to do so while embarking on his new NASCAR ambitions.

The ex-Sauber, McLaren and Ferrari Formula 1 driver signed a deal with Kyle Busch Motorsports earlier in April to compete in the NASCAR Truck Series and Robertson has explained that, if Räikkönen’s selected races prove enjoyable throughout the season, the 31-year-old could commit himself to the sport.

"He’s got a plan for this year, so he’s doing some races this year in the trucks and also the Nationwide cars," Robertson told GPUpdate.net.

"That’s happening very, very soon. Obviously he’s got a pretty heavy programme with WRC as well and he’s going to combine the both, which is not so easy to do, but that’s what he wants to do.

"But (his move to NASCAR is) with a view for possibly 2012 and 2013, but he wants to see if he enjoys it first before he makes a decision as to what he does."

Source: GPUpdate.net

Hamilton signs new manager

After Red Bull confirmed reports world champion Sebastian Vettel has signed up with the team through 2014, also announced on Monday was that Lewis Hamilton will be managed by Simon Fuller’s XIX Entertainment company.

XIX also handles the famous BThe 2008 Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, today announced a new partnership with one of the most powerful figures in global business, Simon Fuller.

One of the most talented sportsmen of his generation, Lewis Hamilton joins an illustrious group of British sporting talent at Simon Fuller’s new company, XIX Entertainment that includes David Beckham and Andy Murray.

"It was important I took my time to make this decision as it had to be right for my career and my long-term future," Hamilton said today. "I spoke to many interested companies in recent months but I felt Simon Fuller along with his team at XIX Entertainment not only wanted to help me become an even better racing driver, but they also shared my ambitions for the longer term. I look forward to working with them closely."

Simon Fuller added, "I’ve met Lewis and his father several times in the past and kept an eye on his career closely over the years. Like any British fan I watched with pride and admiration at his achievements, incredibly winning the World Championship at such a young age. He’s not only one of the leading sportsmen of his generation, he will I believe become one of the best of all time. It’s an honour to be partnering with Lewis in what will be a very exciting stage of his career."

Lewis Hamilton is considered by many observers to be the ’fastest man on four wheels’ and is one of the most exciting drivers in the world today. He worked his way up the racing career ladder, winning the British Formula Renault, Formula 3 Euroseries and GP2 Championships. In his debut season in Formula One he set numerous records and milestones, finishing second and coming within a point of winning the title.

In his second season at the remarkably young age of 23 he captured the Formula One World Championship on the final lap in a thrilling race in Brazil.

Hamilton drives for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, one of the most successful teams in motor racing history, and is set to begin his fifth season in Formula One at the Australian Grand Prix meeting in Melbourne on 25th March.

Anthony Hamilton, Lewis Hamilton’s father, welcomed the move: "This is great news for Lewis and for Simon. Lewis has wisely taken his time to find a good person to look after him. I met with Simon a couple of years back and he was then at the top of my list as my potential replacement. I’m happy to see that two years on Lewis has also come to his own opinion about Simon and made his own decision."

Martin Whitmarsh, Team Principal of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, said: "Not only is Lewis a brilliant Formula One driver, but he’s also a thoroughly nice guy with an enormous and ever-growing global appeal. We’re therefore delighted that he’s chosen to partner with Simon Fuller and XIX Entertainment, and we at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes look forward to working with Lewis, Simon and the XIX Entertainment team for many years to come.

"Lewis has been part of the McLaren ‘family’ since he was a kid, when he was introduced to us by his father Anthony, who did so much to inspire his son’s racing career which led him from karting to Formula One. However, now, it’s gratifying to see Lewis open a new chapter of his career, and we at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will relish joining him on his journey, both on track and off track, working closely with Simon Fuller and the XIX Entertainment team."

Simon Fuller is one of the most influential men in the global entertainment business. The creator of award winning TV franchises that include the No.1 rating show on American TV for the last seven years, Simon Fuller is also the most successful British music manager of all time (as certified by Billboard) and has been recognized by Apple as being ‘the most successful manager of the digital age’ for sales of his music and TV shows through i-tunes.

In 2011 he launched his new business XIX Entertainment to work in partnership with star talent that includes Annie Lennox, Jennifer Lopez, David Beckham, Roland Mouret, Andy Murray, Carrie Underwood, Robert Pattinson, Sir Michael Caine, Lisa Marie Presley, The Spice Girls and others.ritish footballer David Beckham and his Spice Girl wife Victoria.

McLaren driver Hamilton sacked his former manager, father Anthony Hamilton, early last year.

In a statement, 26-year-old Hamilton said Fuller "shared my ambitions for the longer term".

Source: Nextgen

Agent confident over Kubica surgery

Robert Kubica is expected to make a full recovery after he was airlifted to hospital following a high-speed crash in a rally event in Italy on Sunday morning.

Kubica had to be cut from the Skoda Fabia he was driving after his car crashed into a wall during the Rally Ronde di Andora. His co-driver, Jacub Gerber, walked away unscathed.

His Lotus Renault GP team confirmed that Kubica suffered "multiple fractures to his right arm, leg and hand" in the incident, and he underwent surgery at the Santa Corona Hospital near Genoa on Sunday afternoon.

Kubica's agent, Daniele Morelli, is confident his client will be able to return to action.

"The surgeons are trying to restore the functions of his right hand," Morelli said. "They have already revascularized the limb and repaired the bone structure.

"Now they have to think about the muscular functions but Robert has strong character and he will make it."

Fernando Alonso voiced his support for the Renault driver, who is expected to miss the start of the season which begins in Bahrain next month.

"Let's all support Robert Kubica, who suffered an accident today. Besides a great driver, he is a great person," Alonso wrote on his Twitter page.

"I'm thinking of Robert, wish him all the best and hope to see him soon on the track and especially off-track as a friend," Timo Glock said, while Williams' Rubens Barrichello Tweeted: "I would like to ask you for your best wishes to Kubica. He is being operated on right now. We all like him and he deserves all the best."

Source: ESPNF1

Lewis Hamilton insists he'll find a new manager by opening race of the 2011 season in Bahrain

Lewis is confident he'll have a manager in place by Bahrain

Lewis Hamilton is confident he will have a new manager by the opening Grand Prix of the season in Bahrain in five weeks' time.

The 2008 champion, 26, has been without a manager since parting company with his father, Anthony, last March. But Hamilton expects to have new representatives in place within a fortnight.

Simon Fuller's XIX Management, who have David Beckham on their books, sports management giants IMG and Creative Artists Agency are all in the frame.

Speaking after his first testing session in Valencia, McLaren driver Hamilton, who earns around £25million a year from wages and endorsements, said: 'I'm working on getting it sorted. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I'll be able to let you know what's going on.

'But it's positive, certain things will be taken care of a lot better than when I was looking after myself! I've a couple of candidates and I'm just trying to decide which one.'

Hamilton Jr will be happy to see his dad back on the scene very soon - as he will do after Hamilton Sr got Scot Paul di Resta into the Force India Team.

'Clearly he is very gifted at getting drivers into Formula One, which is fantastic. It means he is obviously going to be coming to work and support Paul, but he is my dad so he will naturally be up and down (the paddock), but things are going really well with him.'

The thawing in relations has had an effect as Hamilton admits he is far more content with his life right now, affirming his father's recent assertion he is extra motivated this year.

'I just feel things in my life are much better now, and I feel in a much better place, that I'm able to focus even more energy on to winning than I've done in the past,' added Hamilton.

'But every year I've always approached it the same. Sometimes your training doesn't go as well, sometimes you're more drained by appearances or certain things you do.

'Whereas this year things have been a lot clearer and the training has been a lot more productive, and I'm feeling a lot better about the car. Of course, I always want it more. I can never want it enough."

Source: Dailymail
Courtesy: Ana Ritha

Willi Weber wants to be Vettel’s manager

F1’s most famous driver manager has admitted he would like to add new world champion Sebastian Vettel to his stable.

Although now only handling some of Michael Schumacher’s merchandising and sponsors, Willi Weber became famous for taking 20 per cent of the lucrative earnings throughout the seven time world champion’s meteoric first career.

Multi millionaire Weber, 68, now handles young German Nico Hulkenberg, but in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport he singled out Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel as the best current drivers in F1.

Asked if he would like to manage one of the trio, he answered: "Vettel, of course."

German Vettel, who won the 2010 title at the age of just 23, has never employed a full-time manager, relying instead on a lawyer to review contracts and some help from his father Norbert.

But Weber insists: "Now he needs a manager more than ever, because he needs to sell his success.

"It’s all about the money he can make outside of the cockpit now," he added.

Source: Nextgen

Manager confirms to MTV3: Kimi's career will continue

Kimi Räikkönen's manager Steve Robertson, knocks out the talk of the F1 world champion would take a year off at the motor sports

Räikkönen got some sad news during Christmas when his Matti-dad suddenly died after an illness-attack. According to rumours Kimi put all negotiations in ice and even started to consider stopping his career.

- There has been a lot of talk about it and of course he is sad over his father passing away which is normal. Yet talks about him keeping a break are pure speculation, Robertson told.

Robertson told that he is still negotiating with several quarters. According to some rumours the deal with Citroen might be announced soon.

- I'm pretty sure that Kimi is still in motorsporting, Robertson assured.

The manager didn't want to comment if Räikkönen could possibly drive in some other serie than WRC.

- Kimi is a WDC in F1 so of course Kimi has had other options too. However at this moment we don't have anything to announce, Robertson emphasised.

There might be some news concerning Räikkönen's future to be expected soon.

- We are now in January so I don't think it takes much longer anymore, Robertson promised.

Source: MTV3
Courtesy: Claudie and Nicole

Räikkönen manager says Renault seat 'possible'

Kimi Räikkönen's manager has confirmed he contacted Renault about the 2007 world champion returning to Formula One next season

Earlier this week, the reports did not reveal whether it was his management team or the Finn himself who approached team boss Eric Boullier about being Robert Kubica's 2011 teammate.

"It's true, I spoke with Boullier," Steve Robertson told the Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat.

Räikkönen, 30, switched from Ferrari to world rallying for 2010, and it had been expected that he would continue his new challenge for at least another year.

But according to the well-respected Brazilian journalist Livio Oricchio, Raikkonen is aiming to maintain his high income for 2011, given that his Ferrari contract finally runs out soon.

Said Robertson: "We want to explore all the possible options for next year. Kimi and I asked Renault what is the situation."

Turun Sanomat reporter Heikki Kulta insists the most possible outcome for Raikkonen in 2011 is a continuation of his rallying foray.

"There are all sorts of rumours," Robertson continued. "I've even heard that Kimi could go to NASCAR, but that is definitely not an option."

In the event that Mark Webber or Sebastian Vettel win the 2010 championship, Raikkonen's return to F1 could push the number of world champions on the 2011 grid to an impressive six.

Source: Motorsport.com

Massa opens talks with Renault – but Ferrari remains first choice

Felipe Massa's manager Nicolas Todt is understood to have held discussions with Renault regarding a possible move in F1 2011 - as the Brazilian looks to be edging ever-closer to the exit door at Ferrari...

Felipe Massa's manager Nicolas Todt has initiated talks with both the Brazilian's present employer Ferrari as well as Renault regarding next year, as the 2008 F1 World Championship runner-up's position at the Prancing Horse appears to be ever-more tenuous.

Massa has been a Ferrari driver on-and-off since 2003, and has competed for the Scuderia on a full-time basis since the beginning of 2006. During that time, the Paulista has defied his detractors by proving capable of holding his own against the likes of world champions Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen, but the title-winner over in the other side of the garage to him this year could just be one too many, it seems.

Massa and Fernando Alonso have not had the easiest of relationships ever since the former accused the latter's 'fixed' Singapore victory of two years ago of having cost him that season's drivers' crown – and tensions heightened after the Spaniard brusquely and single-mindedly elbowed his team-mate aside onto the grass entering the pit-lane during the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai last month.

There are some who contend that Massa is being increasingly edged out of the door at Ferrari – speculation that is scarcely quelled by the reaction of the company's president Luca di Montezemolo to his lacklustre performances of late and struggle to adequately get to grips with the F10 [see separate story – click here] – ostensibly to make way for Renault star Robert Kubica. Indeed, whilst he insists his principal goal is to stay put, the smarter money now looks to be upon the 29-year-old doing a straight swap with the Pole next year.

“I like it a lot at Ferrari,” Massa told Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat. “I know everybody and everybody knows me. However, it is always encouraging to know that other teams with fast cars are interested in me. The main objective is to continue with Ferrari, but if that fails than we will look elsewhere.”

Another man to be linked in connection with Massa's Ferrari seat is Red Bull Racing's current world championship leader Mark Webber – winner of the most recent two grands prix in Spain and Monaco – though the plain-speaking Aussie is remaining tight-lipped, conceding only that 'things happen and change very fast in this business and you never know what's around the corner'.

The Maranello-based outfit's team principal Stefano Domenicali, meanwhile, insists that 'we trust Massa...he is doing a good job', as the eleven-time grand prix-winner and erstwhile F1 2010 World Championship pace-setter bids to kick his challenge back into gear again in this weekend's Turkish Grand Prix, around the demanding Istanbul Park Circuit at which he went unbeaten from 2006 to 2008 and that he transformed into something of a personal stomping ground, acknowledging that it is 'probably my favourite track'.

“The only thing that matters is my work within the team and how we prepare for the future,” he told French publication Le Nouvel Observateur. “I came here to be with Michael [Schumacher – in 2006], I have also teamed up with Kimi and today I'm with Fernando. They are all strong drivers. I feel a lot of respect within the team – and that is what matters.”

Source: Crash

KIMI'S CURRENT PACE IS ONE SECOND BEHIND THE LEAD

HEIKKI KULTA - Turun Sanomat 13.4 2010

Kimi Räikkönen fought his first WC-points in Jordan. In the demanding race the Finnish driver lost only two seconds per kilometer to the lead on those stages he made without mistakes.

Are those 2 seconds then the difference that Räikkönen should catch if he is going to drive for podiums at some stage?

– Jordan's rally was Kimi's most difficult rally. His absolute goal was to finish the rally and under those conditions he had to set his pace accordingly. During previous rallies the difference on the best stages have been 0,8-1 seconds to the lead. That is the real situation at this point, Steve Robertson told Turun Sanomat.

To whom will Räikkönen compare his pace then - Sebastien Loeb or Sebastien Ogier?

– Loeb. Kimi always compares himself to the fastest driver, Robertson emphasises.

Learning period in the spotlight

How has the ex-F1 driver's season taken off according to his manager?

– What is on top of my mind is that rallying is so different from F1. Kimi has had to learn extremely much in an extremely short period of time.

– Rallying on top level requires a completely different driving style than track-driving which Kimi has in his backbone. It takes time to understand everything that is required on the top of rally and unfortunately Kimi can't do it in all peace, as a F1-Champion he has to do it while being in the center of all attention.

Robertson believes that with Räikkönen's persistance and determination he will go far in rally too.

– It's absolutely sure that Kimi will become a really fast driver in rally too, Robertson assures.

Räikkönen hasn't thought about next year yet.

– It's time for it only after a few months, Robertson hints.

Source: Turun Sanomat
Courtesy: Nicole

Hamilton more relaxed without father as manager

Lewis Hamilton has revealed it "feels good" to be standing on his own two feet as he kicks off his fourth season in formula one this weekend.

The 25-year-old has always been accompanied to races by his father, but after ending his managerial ties to Anthony Hamilton, the McLaren driver is also without his girlfriend or brother in the island Kingdom.

"It definitely feels different," he is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail, "but it feels good. I've probably had the most relaxed couple of days I've ever had."

When it was pointed out that teammate Jenson Button's father John is a constant presence in the paddock, Hamilton answered: "Yeah, but his dad's not his manager.

"The chemistry between those two is completely different. That's the chemistry I want," the Briton added.

Source: F1 Complete

Kovalainen managing his own F1 career

When the FIA initially banned drivers from being managed by crashgate conspirator Flavio Briatore, Heikki Kovalainen elected not to replace the flamboyant Italian.

Finland's Turun Sanomat reveals that the 28-year-old negotiated his own contract when he signed to switch from McLaren to the new Lotus team for 2010.

"I decided to do all the negotiations myself," said the Finn. "For me it's very important to know exactly what you are signing.

"I know what to do and it gives me peace of mind."

The newspaper said there had been talks with Toyota and Force India when it became clear that McLaren were not retaining Kovalainen for 2010.

But he also phoned Mike Gascoyne.

"I asked him what is the situation with Lotus and told him I would be interested to hear about the project," said Kovalainen.

He admitted that he is "quite satisfied" with the contract he negotiated, revealing that both he and Jarno Trulli receive a salary.

Source: F1 Complete

Hakkinen or Brundle to be Hamilton's new manager?

Mika Hakkinen could become Lewis Hamilton's new manager.

It emerged this week that Hamilton, 25, will no longer be handled professionally by his father Anthony.

Finn Hakkinen, who is 41, retired from F1 after the 2001 season with two drivers' world championships under his belt.

The former McLaren driver is now part of the Monaco based sports management Aces Group, which is run by his own long-time manager Didier Coton.

Britain's Daily Mail said Hakkinen and Hamilton "get on well".

"It is up to Lewis and the team," Frenchman Coton told the newspaper. "He is taken good care of as it is (by McLaren).

But if I was asked to get involved I would definitely be interested."

Another potential manager for Hamilton is Martin Brundle, who formerly handled David Coulthard's career.

The Daily Mail said the 1994 McLaren driver and BBC commentator was "non-committal" when contacted but is said to be a definite contender.

Source: Motorsport

Kimi's manager: very, very different

- I must say that for me this is very, very different. F1 pit stop is completely different than here. This is of course not WRC-rally. I'm waiting to get to those races, Robertson said to MTV3.

Robertson highlight that Räikkönen could have continued in F1 if had wanted.

- Transferring to rally was Kimi's decision. We had opportunities to make a deal with a couple F1-teams after he quit at Ferrari but that didn't happen. Kimi made it very clear that if he doesn't get into particular F1-teams he wants to investigate other options. We got a good chance from Red Bull and Citroen in rally and Kimi announced that he wants to do it.

Räikkönen's next years series-decision is going to be affected by the experiences in rally in the beginning of the year and the the situation on free driver-places in F1.

- Kimi looks how things progress in WRC-rally until the middle of the season. Then we look what options there are open in F1. If he likes WRC-rally, then he will continue there. If he continues in WRC-rally series, is championship a long-term goal, Robertson says.

Source: MTV3
Courtesy: Leijona Planet-F1