Montezemolo happy with Raikkonen's style

Kimi Raikkonen can remain the quiet man of Formula One as long as he keeps winning, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has stated.

The new world champion is renowned for keeping to himself and speaking very little with the media. But di Montezemolo has made it clear he has no qualms about Raikkonen's personality, after praising the talents of both drivers.

"[Felipe] Massa was confirmed because of the great performances he's had since 2006, which have impressed [Michael] Schumacher too," di Montezemolo was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"As for Raikkonen, he won and that's enough. I like him because he doesn't whine. He doesn't speak much, but he can carry on that way if he then goes on winning."

Di Montezemolo thinks that Ferrari's rivals will be even stronger next year than they were this season, when both McLaren drivers finished just one point behind Raikkonen in the championship table.

"Obviously the objective is to win again, even though the competition will be extraordinary," he said.

"McLaren have young drivers, Renault are hedging their bets on Alonso, BMW are the ones who got closest last year, and Honda have made the right choice with Ross Brawn."

And di Montezemolo said he will likely put more focus back on Ferrari when his period as head of Italian industry body Confindustria comes to an end early next year.

"My experience with Confindustria will come to an end in March, and I'm proud that one of my vice-presidents will become my successor," he said.

"Until April 2009 I will be Fiat president and in the meantime I will get back to focus more on Ferrari. Me in politics? I'd say no."

Source: autosport.com


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