15/06/2006
NEWS STORY
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The news the Renault has extended the contract of Giancarlo Fisichella, has come as a complete shock to many within F1. However, the fact is that it is a move that had to be made.
Following the British Grand Prix, the Italian remarked that his teammate at Renault next season would be a Finn, which led to all manner of speculation, not least as to how Giancarlo could dare presume that he would be retained by the French outfit following two largely unconvincing seasons, especially when compared to his teammate.
The fact is that as time goes on, Renault was in very real danger of being left up the proverbial creek without a paddle.
The key to the entire 2007 driver market is Michael Schumacher, and the decision as to whether he remains in F1 or walks away will kick-start one of the biggest games of musical chairs in the sport's history.
If Schumacher walks away there will be a vacancy within the team that until 2005, had won six consecutive Constructors' Championships and five successive Drivers' Championships. That record, combined with a recent return to form, not to mention the whole idea of representing one of the most legendary names in sport, is a mighty tool when seeking to attract the cream of the crop in terms of drivers.
On the other hand, believe what you read elsewhere, and drivers would only consider joining Renault for altruistic reasons, when the reality is that barring a major turnaround in fortune or (God forbid) an accident, the French team and Fernando Alonso are virtually assured of another two titles this season.
Whereas all manner of people have been linked with Ferrari, very few are mentioned in the same breath as Renault, yet one cannot imagine why. The French team has the car, the engine, the structure, the money and the wherewithal to continue where Ferrari left off in 2004. Nonetheless, drivers are not falling over themselves to form a disorderly queue at Enstone.
Our sources tell us that for Renault time was running out, and that having stalled Giancarlo Fisichella for several weeks, the Italian was told that a decision as to whether his services would be required in 2007 would be made at Silverstone.
As the paddock waits for Michael Schumacher's decision as to whether he parks or drives, the French team had to make a move for fear of being left up the creek, hence the decision to retain the Italian.
Giancarlo's subsequent comment about the Finnish teammate however, should not be taken with a pinch of salt.
Although the French team does have Heikki Kovalainen under contract for 2007, we hear that it is still hoping to secure the services of Kimi Raikkonen, however the Finn is still waiting to see what happens at Ferrari.
Race fans who salivate at the thought of Raikkonen partnering Schumacher in a 'dream team' partnership can forget all about it, it isn't going to happen. If Michael quits Kimi takes his seat, if Michael stays the Finn heads to Renault.
The good news is that contrary to reports elsewhere, we will not have to wait until September for Michael to make his decision, indeed, according to our sources Ferrari is expecting the German to make his announcement before the end of June.
The idea of Alonso in the McLaren, Michael in the Ferrari and Kimi in the Renault is a mouth-watering prospect, and according to our sources Bernie Ecclestone, always one to spot an opportunity, is not only pushing for such a scenario but wants it made public as soon as possible.
As for Heikki, expect to see him on the grid, as Renault does exactly what it did in 2001 with another up and coming prospect.