Kimi in the money at Ferrari

2006-12-05 12:47

Rome - Following the retirement of Michael Schumacher, Kimi Raikkonen, his replacement at Ferrari, will become Formula One's highest paid driver.

Raikkonen, who will begin testing for the Italian team in the new year after turning down the opportunity to request an early release from his McLaren contract, is expected to earn $1m per week, according to the Swiss daily newspaper Blick, putting his annual income in the region of a staggering $52m.

Germany's Schumacher retired with a personal fortune estimated at more than $800m.

Schumacher will perform the role of Ferrari sporting and managing director Jean Todt's 'assistant' next season and thanks to ongoing sponsorship contracts, his annual income should amount to close on $10m.

British specialist magazine F1 Racing lists two-time world drivers' champion, Fernando Alonso's 2007 wage at $35m.

Meanwhile, Ladbrokes' latest odds ahead of the 2007 Formula One season, see Raikkonen as the 11/8 favourite to win his maiden title. Alonso is second favourite at 2/1 following his move from Renault to McLaren.

Ferrari are 4/5 favourites to win the constructors' title, ahead of McLaren at 9/4 and Renault and Honda at 6/1.

The opening round of the 2007 season will take place on March 12 in Bahrain.

Drivers' title odds:

K Raikkonen 11/8
F Alonso 2/1
F Massa 4/1
J Button 9/1
G Fisichella 20/1
H Kovalainen 25/1
L Hamilton 25/1
R Barrichello 33/1
J Trulli 50/1
R Schumacher 50/1
R Kubica 66/1
N Heidfeld 80/1
A Wurz 100/1
D Coulthard 100/1
M Webber 100/1
N Rosberg 100/1
S Speed 250/1
V Liuzzi 250/1
C Albers 500/1
T Monteiro 500/1
T Sato 500/1
A Davidson 1000/1

Constructors' title odds:

Ferrari 4/5
McLaren 9/4
Honda 6/1
Renault 6/1
Toyota 16/1
BMW Sauber 50/1
Williams 50/1
Red Bull 66/1
Toro Rosso 100/1
Spyker 150/1
Super Aguri 500/1

- News24