Thread: ***Raikkonen to Red Bull? ***

As expected, the confirmation of Fernando Alonso's move to Ferrari turned the key to kick-starting the 2010 driver market.

Much of the specialist Formula One media waited in vain throughout Tuesday for the announcement of Robert Kubica's move to Renault, but the French daily L'Equipe reports that the deal will actually be unveiled on Wednesday.

The hottest new rumour is that McLaren and Toyota are not alone in pushing for Kimi Raikkonen. Germany's Sport Bild reports contact between the Finn's management and Red Bull Racing, despite the fact that Mark Webber was recently put under contract for the 2010 season.

Said Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson: "We are negotiating even with teams that everybody thinks have no vacancies."

Another new rumour is that Renault, even after replacing Fernando Alonso with Kubica, is also on the lookout for a teammate for the 24-year-old Pole.

It is believed team management are not keen on the underperforming rookie Romain Grosjean, who was championed by the disgraced former boss Flavio Briatore.

It is believed Nick Heidfeld is near the top of the list for the drive, after the veteran German always matched up alongside the highly rated Kubica at BMW-Sauber this year.

However, it is understood that Renault is prepared to wait much longer - for instance until January of next year - to confirm the identity of the second driver.

Also in the frame to replace Grosjean are Timo Glock and Adrian Sutil.

Williams is planning an all-new lineup of reigning GP2 champion and rookie Nico Hulkenberg alongside Rubens Barrichello, with the latter Brazilian to be replaced at Brawn by Nico Rosberg.

Likely to be left standing at the end of the musical chairs are drivers like Heikki Kovalainen, Kazuki Nakajima, Jarno Trulli and Grosjean, who may need to look at some of the incoming teams for employment.

Wow! Now if Kimi went to Red Bull, does Webber take a back up role? Vettel and Kimi is a hell of a team.

I'm also very surprised at Brawns move to can Rubens. He's a better driver and has been far more consistent than Button. We've also heard the rumors of button leaving as well due to contract "issues."

-Markus-

^^^Kimi and Vettel? with Mercedes power? Adiran Newey designed car = Win!

more driver shuffling for 2010...wow!

Kimi to Red Bull? it make sense! Is there a new sponsorship in planning?