Have Ferrari Played A F1 Masterstroke Or Will Two Number 1's Still Equal Number 2?

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. (C)

    2014 heralds a new era in Formula One racing with the introduction of 1.6 litre V6 turbocharged engines amidst a host of other technical changes. However, another change that is ongoing year after year concerns driver signings and movements between teams.
    Intriguingly exciting is Ferrari's announcement of their signing of Kimi Raikkonen to partner Fernando Alonso in 2014. Two world champs in a couple of Prancing Horses? The exciting part takes care of itself. The intriguing part however, is a little more complex. Does anyone find it ironic that the very man hired to replace an outgoing Michael Schumacher wins a driver's championship in his first year with the team, only to have his contract paid out of his last year to accommodate Alonso's arrival, to now be rehired to partner Alonso? There's a definite statement there though. Arguably since the early 90's after Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell were team mates, Ferrari have always employed a clear #1 and #2 driver. It certainly served them well during Schumi's heyday, but they've not won a driver's championship since Kimi's in 2007 and a constructor's championship since 2008. Now, by placing two world champions in their cars, they obviously feel that this is the most effective way to mount a major assault on next year's championships.
    Another intriguing factor is how will Fernando Alonso react to having a top drawer winning driver as a team mate? Alonso has the ability to galvanise the team to achieve their potential, but only if he feels their unequivocal support. Apart from Alonso's tempestuous year at McLaren battling rookie Lewis Hamilton in 2007, he has always enjoyed the services of shall we say, a rather compliant team mate. One can anticipate that may not be the case next year.
    At formulafrontrow.com we love to speculate and throw an idea out there. Will two #1 drivers help Ferrari overhaul the Red Bull juggernaut and propel them to F1 glory? Perhaps two winning drivers may compromise the championship by taking points off each other? Will Kimi's arrival spur Fernando to greater heights, or will relationships be strained if Kimi starts outracing Fernando? Give us your opinion. Leave a comment or contact us at: [email protected]. No difference to Kimi though. Kimi will just be Kimi. 
    The first intriguing chapter of Ferrari circa 2014 takes place at Melbourne's Albert Park. Fantastico....

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