Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFerrari

Ferrari 2016 deal in the works for Räikkonen

Praised by many for his great run in last weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, Kimi Räikkonen looks set to extend his current Ferrari contract into 2016.

The Finn's resurgent form, which coincides with Ferrari's own upturn in performance this year, will probably encourage the Scuderia to trigger the apparent option the team holds over Räikkonen's services according to Ferrari insider and blogger Leo Turrini.

"If his performance continues, he'll remain with Ferrari in 2016," commented the Italian blogger. "I know for a fact that Sergio Marchionne (Ferrari's President) even jumped off his seat when he saw Kimi's first lap in China."

"I could not imagine a better driver pairing," team boss Maurizio Arrivabene also said in China last weekend, which indicates positive prospects for the Finn in the longer term.

Although the Mercedes of Rosberg and Hamilton still have a clear measure over the Italian squad, Räikkonen is confident Ferrari can fill the gap and regularly beat their German rivals.

"We've made big gains and we will continue to do so this year, " said Räikkonen in China. "Obviously everybody will improve, so it deepnds what the rest are doing, but we are definitely going the right way and doing the right things. So I see no reason why we can't be Mercedes."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.