20/08/2015
NEWS STORY
The day after Ferrari announced that it was to retain Kimi Raikkonen, fellow-Finn Valtteri Bottas has hit out at rumour mongers who virtually had him installed in the second Ferrari seat. However, in his denials, the youngster has only further muddied the waters.
Asked if he was "heart-broken" by Ferrari's announcement, Bottas told the official F1 website: "No! Why should I be? Now it is easier for me and Williams - and for Kimi and Ferrari. Everybody won!
"There are no rumours - now there are facts! And that proves that lot of the rumours were not true; but hey, this is Formula One! Nothing has changed for me since I heard the news yesterday!"
Asked about reports that Williams asking price was too high, hence Ferrari's decision to keep Raikkonen, Bottas, who has a contract for 2016 with Williams, said: "I cannot confirm any of that."
Pushed to reveal more he replied: "Who said that I have been talking to them at all?"
So, he hasn't been talking to Ferrari? "No!"
Not ever? "No!"
But how about his management... "Ask them!" he replies. "Maybe! There have been so many rumours. Some swear that I have already signed a contract with ‘them'. But you also need to look around at what is available. But ‘they' have made a decision and it is very clear for everyone right now what the situation is. For me it doesn't change anything.
"Most of what was rumoured was simply not true," he continues. "And it simply didn't do any good for mine and the team's (Williams) relationship. So these kinds of rumours are pretty unfair. From now on it will be easier as everybody knows what the situation is."
Naturally, a team like Ferrari is looking for someone who can deliver consistently, asked if he is satisfied with his performances so far this season Bottas admits: "Not everything has been perfect. It was a difficult start into the season with the back injury. But I think I have done some pretty good races and I feel I've done a pretty good job with this car. Yes I would like to sit in a car that is a bit quicker, but I think as a team we can do it for next year if I stay here."
Unlike last year, veteran teammate Felipe Massa is not being left behind.
"He is a quick driver. He was nearly a world champion and has been driving really well this year so far - possibly driving a bit better than last year. And I've had some unlucky moments."
Indeed.
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