Renault is believed to have discussed options for next year with Kimi Raikkonen, with a potential tie-up with mobile phone company Nokia also in the works.
Raikkonen is mooted to have been offered a multi-year deal with Renault, worth and estimated €45 million, which he subsequently rejected. However, Renault has not given up, and is also chasing Finland-based Nokia to replace ING as its primary sponsor for next year.
This would essentially be a direct swap between Renault and Ferrari, with Alonso and Raikkonen swapping places with each other.
And with youngster Grosjean likely to retain his seat at Renault next year, there is one man who could lose alot through a Raikkonen-Renault tie-up: Robert Kubica.
Kubica has frequently been linked with a move to the French squad, as a replacement for Alonso. But with no room at the Renault Inn, a move to Williams seems likely.
Alas, there may not be a free seat there either. With Williams desperate to hang on to Nico Rosberg, and also confirming today that GP2 leader Nico Hulkenburg is a likely candidate for a race seat next year, the Pole is starting to run out of options.
Sam Michael, Williams technical director said; “Nico is someone that is on our list for a drive next year, but there are lots of drivers knocking on our door.”
McLaren is an option, should Kovalainen leave the outfit at the end of this season. With Rosberg likely to go there or stay at Williams, it could allow a place for Kubica at either team Rosberg decides not to go.
