Formula 1 news
Kimi can't replace Schumi in Todt's heart
12 September 2006Kimi Raikkonen has been signed to replace Michael Schumacher, and team boss Jean Todt was has faced questions over whether he thinks he will be able to enjoy the same kind of relationship with the Finn that he has done with Michael Schumacher.
"The answer is no, it's always different," Jean Todt said. "With Michael, we have some special relationship and I also have a very strong relationship with Felipe which is different and I'm sure we will have a very strong relationship with Kimi which will be different again. You know the good thing with human beings it's not like a car, where you have the same specifications, each human being has individual specifications which is probably something I enjoy a lot."
Todt was then asked about the signing of Raikkonen, which some saw as an open secret. "What is important is that we never had any kind of pre-contract, we had a signed contract, that's all, so sometimes I was smiling a bit when I saw those speculations or private meetings to try to get Kimi, but the important thing is that we feel Kimi is a very strong driver, very talented driver. I like him as a person and he's committed for the few next years to Ferrari."
What qualities had Todt identified in Kimi that had attracted him? "First, you must look at the market to see who is available and who you would like among the available people. Maybe it's a bit unfair because we have new young drivers arriving who are doing very well: Felipe, Kubica today did a very strong race. You have some drivers coming from GP2 who are maybe very talented but let's say when we were in a position to make a choice, we looked at the three quickest drivers available. One was already driving for us, one was our favourite and we have him, so honestly, it was an easy choice, and fortunately it was an easy discussion because he wanted to join Ferrari and we wanted him to join Ferrari so it was easy."
Did Todt think Raikkonen could attain the same level of success as Michael? "The same level would be difficult, I would say, depending on the time etc. Kimi has been very competitive and it's up to us to try to deliver him the best support, the best car. Michael last year accepted a race, a gift. He did not win one single race so we need to deliver a good car, reliable, and I'm sure that Kimi will be able to use it well."
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