Raikkonen has a 2014 Ferrari contract in his pocket

The Formula 1 world is now reportedly only waiting for the announcement that Kimi Raikkonen will partner Fernando Alonso at Ferrari in 2014, ousting Felipe Massa from the legendary team, but at the same time giving birth to what could be the most volatile driver partnership since the Senna-Prost era.

"It's done," wrote well connected Autosprint correspondent Alberto Antonini. "Kimi Raikkonen has a Ferrari contract in his pocket."

It is explosive and significant news, because - at least on paper - Alonso alongside the Finn is arguably the best driver duo on the grid, but there could be a downside.

"If it works, the constructors' title will be harder for us," Red Bull's Helmut Marko told

Bild newspaper. "Or they could tear each other apart. Wait and see."

Kimi: 'Fernando I don't know how to break this to you...'

Indeed, Spaniard Alonso has made clear his strong desire to continue to be partnered by the Brazilian Felipe Massa.

"I have a great respect for Felipe," he is quoted by Brazil's Globo

"If the team decides to keep him, I'll be happy," added Alonso.

So thats there where the problem may lie. Having already flirted with Red Bull, the latest rumours are linking Alonso with a shock switch to McLaren or even Lotus.

"To be honest, we have several plans," said Lotus team boss Eric Boullier, facing up to the prospect of probably losing Raikkonen.

Fernando Alonso with Felipe Massa during a Ferrari / Shell Oil photo shoot

"After Ferrari fills their vacancy, our seat will be the most coveted. So we can afford to see what happens."

The leading candidate to replace Raikkonen at Lotus is the German Nico Hulkenberg, who put his CV in the limelight with a top performance at Monza. But the experienced Massa could be another option.

"Ferrari is a super team; it's difficult to find another like it," the Ferrari driver said. "So it's important to look at all the options."

Raikkonen replaced Michael Schumacher at the Maranello squad in 2007, and promptly won the world title for the team in his first season. In the process he won nine races for the team.

At the end of 2009 he received a substantial pay out to leave the team and make way for Alonso. Thereafter Raikkonen took a three year sabbatical, during which he dabbled with WRC and NASCAR, before returning to F1 with Lotus at the start of 2012. (GMM)

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