Raikkonen is to miss last two races of the season to undergo back surgery.
Who will replace him? Valsecchi is the obvious choice, but as things stand he is far from the only option. Several names have flown around the virtual paddock including Kovalainen, Hulk and Buemi.
Hulk is technically available due to Sauber messing him around but its unlikely he'd damage his image by going to a new team and inevitably loosing to Grosjean due to no experience in the car.
Buemi could be loaned out by Red Bull as it would benefit all parties, but he may not be the ideal choice.
Kovalainen has history at the team which will help a little, plus he's a very competent respected driver, he may take the risk in the hope of a 2014 drive.
Valsecchi will probably end up getting the seat, but with little preparation he's unlikely to get a point in Austin, even in the very fast Lotus.
Thoughts?
Raikkonen to miss last two races
posted on 10/11/13
good evening nsix
believe KR surgery is only minor from what little i have read , and alonso"s was nothing more than a sore back when he gave the kerb a little biff at abu dhabi -
you can put your rent money on it that they will have the best chiropractor that the ferrari shilling can buy and both will be tip flucking top by the first winter test --
posted on 11/11/13
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posted on 11/11/13
I've never understood why so many people rate Kovalainen. Never impressed at Renault or McLaren. He was a backmarker at best.
Think Valsecchi is the obvious choice. What's the point in having a 3rd driver if you're not going to use him when required? Luca Badoer excepted...
posted on 11/11/13
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posted on 11/11/13
I would have thought d'Ambrosio would be the obvious choice for the last two races.
posted on 11/11/13
Hulkenburg best placed for the seat at Lotus, Maldonaldo erratic and inconsistent.
posted on 11/11/13
I wonder about all this.
At recent races Valsecchi has always been seen hanging about, almost as if Lotus were expecting Raikonnen not to show up, then there was the, "will he, won't he?" charade at the last race.
I would not want to work for a company that went back on its word, (what are the playing at?) or failed to meet its obligations and now it appears Raikonnen will not drive because of his back....
Hmmm.....
posted on 12/11/13
There's bigger issues right now, have you seen what next years nose cones look like :s
http://cdn.images.autosport.com/editorial/1384270378.jpg
posted on 12/11/13
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posted on 14/11/13
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