13/12/2009
NEWS STORY
In the wake of the Motor Sport Business Forum conducted this week in Monte Carlo, Pitpass has received a communiqué from someone calling themselves, Lord Radcliffe of Oxford.
Radcliffe was at the conference and so well connected as to have spying dinner meetings which support the information offered. That said, the information he has offered us borders on the fantastic. Radcliffe is either a genius or madman, nonetheless, it's still worth repeating…
In deference to what are thought to be done deals, Radcliffe is claiming that Nico Rosberg is set to partner Jarno Trulli at Lotus while Kimi Raikkonen is set join Williams. WE have asked if he meant Nico Hulkenberg leaving Williams to make way for Raikkonen but he insists that it is Rosberg heading to Lotus.
In support of reports already in the public domain but unsubstantiated, he also claims Genii Capital, owned by Luxembourg businessman Gerard Lopez, is undertaking due diligence this week with a view to buying a 75% stake in the Renault F1 Team.
Rosberg is currently signed with Mercedes, however, with continued speculation linking Michael Schumacher with the Brackley-based team, many have been wondering how the young German might react should the seven-time champion be brought in to partner him. As for Raikkonen, it has already been announced that the Finn is to compete in the WRC with Citroen.
Lotus is scheduled to make an announcement regarding its line-up tomorrow (Monday), team principal Tony Fernandes making the announcement on Twitter.
Writing on Friday evening following the FIA Awards Gala, Fernandes wrote: "Bringing home two drivers for the Lotus F1 team. Announcement Monday".
If these bombshells are accurate, you read it first here. If not, we did say madman…