Former Ferrari sporting director Cesare Fiorio believes Ferrari have made the wrong decision re-hiring Kimi Raikkonen to partner Fernando Alonso.
The Italian, who worked for Ferrari between 1989 and 1991, questioned the Finn’s dedication and determination to succeed. Whilst he acknowledged Raikkonen’s talent, he doesn’t rate his technical input.
“I’m not a fan of the new signing,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. “I admire his talent, but I don’t agree with his lifestyle and his technical approach. I would not have chosen him.
“He doesn’t live like an athlete and to be champion in F1 talent is not enough.
“You need physical, technical and psychological effort and, from what I know and have seen, he’s the type of guy who collects his bag and leaves shortly after the sessions.
“I don’t know how much technical contribution he can bring.”
Fiorio added that an younger driver who isn’t nearing the end of his career would have been a better choice.
“In my opinion it’s a conservative choice,” he said. “I would have gone for an emerging driver rather than one at the tail end of his career.”
The 74-year-old, who now commentates on the sport, is confident team-mate to be, Alonso, will beat Raikkonen and further prove his worth as one of the most talented drivers.
“In my opinion Alonso is happy: his worth will grow by beating him [Raikkonen].
“I don’t see any problem ahead. In any case, the new pairing will be the strongest in 2014: the Mercedes pairing is close, but [Nico] Rosberg is very inconsistent, he does exceptional things and then disappears.”
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