‘Raikkonen is the most dangerous competitor’

Ferrari team principal terms Lotus driver biggest threat to Alonso.

Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen is one of Fernando Alonso’s most ‘dangerous’ competitors for this year’s Formula One title, said Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali.

Alonso currently leads the drivers’ championship with 179 points, 37 ahead of second-placed Lewis Hamilton of McLaren with Raikkonen one point off in third. Asked which one was a bigger threat to Alonso’s bid for a third world title, Domenicali said the Lotus driver was getting too close for comfort.

“I have to respect all of them,” said Domenicali. “I’ve always said that Kimi, step by step, is a dangerous driver and he’s getting closer and closer. For sure Hamilton, with the car he has now, is very strong but we have seen in the last two races that anything can happen. All the drivers that are in the top six need to be taken very seriously.”

No decision yet on Massa

Meanwhile, the Ferrari chief said that they were still pondering over the issue of their second driver Felipe Massa, according to Sky Sports.

The official said a decision will not be made in haste despite Massa’s strongest performance at the season coming at the Italian Grand Prix. Domenicali said he was pleased with the 31-year-old’s improved form but that there will be no change to the timeframe regarding the second seat for next year.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 13^th, 2012.