McBreen wants new Mariners deal

Goal machine ... Daniel McBreen celebrates during Sunday's grand final. Source: By Paul Miller / AAP

He's the A-League's top goal-scorer and was named man-of-the-match in Central Coast's 2-0 grand final win over Western Sydney.

But he doesn't have a contract for next year.

As unlikely as it seems, 36-year-old golden boot winner Daniel McBreen had a break-out season but his future at the Mariners remains uncertain with the striker now off contact.

Mariners coach Graham Arnold said to McBreen at the start of the season if he scored 10 goals he would make sure his contract was extended.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

He went on to score double that, netting his 20th in Sunday's title decider with a perfectly taken spot-kick in the 68th minute and earning himself the Joe Marston Medal as best afield.

---

Catch video highlights, statistics, squads and play-by-play analysis in our Match Centre!

---

McBreen, who had failed twice in the Mariners' recent string of five missed penalties, acknowledged the irony of netting the match-winner from a spot-kick.

"After all the the misses and all the press we've been getting about it, we got the one that counted,'' he said.

McBreen, who said he knew his late father Jim "would be smiling down on him'', said he wants nothing more but to stay on at the Mariners.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"I'm not sure yet what's happening next season,'' he said.

"I love it here. I love the place, I love the people, I love the team, the coaching staff, living near the beach - everything.

"Hopefully we can work something out.''

The delay on his contract, however, is a result of the financial crisis the club recently suffered before new owner Mike Charlesworth stepped in and saved the day.

"We've spoken but Mike wanted to go through the books so all offers have been taken off the table while he sorted that out,'' McBreen said.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"So it's up to them. They have to come to me now.''

Arnold was full of praise for the veteran striker.

"He's a pain in the arse, as always,'' he joked. "Leading goal scorer, Joe Marston Medal, won a championship and he's 36 years of age.

"What else can you say? He's had a fantastic season. It's a reward for all the hard work he does.''

---

Watch the Barclays Premier League Exclusively Live, and in High Definition, on Fox Sports

23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

Video: Re-live the Mariners' victory

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hoodoo over ... the Mariners celebrate their grand final victory over the Wanderers. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Central Coast Mariners have finally broken their A-League grand final hoodoo, making it fourth time lucky with a clinical win over Western Sydney Wanderers.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Re-live every moment of the 2012-2013 A-League grand final between new boys the Wanderers and foundation club the Mariners with our live chat, featuring video highlights of all the key moments.

Catch video highlights, statistics, squads and play-by-play analysis in our Match Centre!

Here's a taste of some of the A-League's best goals from season 2012-2013!

See video highlights from the match below our live chat!

The Mariners break the deadlock through Patrick Zwaanswijk.

Did the referee miss Pedj Bojic's handball a penalty? You be the judge!

Daniel McBreen seals victory with, wait for it, a penalty!

Full match highlights from the grand final.

23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mogg, Izzy impress in Test quest

Sharp ... Jesse Mogg is in blistering form for the Brumbies. Source: Lukas Coch / AAP

Twelve months ago, Jesse Mogg was "a deer in the headlights'' at Suncorp Stadium.

But the whippet-like Brumbies fullback showed maturity and ticker on the big stage on Saturday night to ensure code-hopping star Israel Folau will have an even bigger selection fight to start against the British and Irish Lions in June.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Mogg was the Brumbies' best player in their gripping 19-19 draw with Queensland in front of 38,404 fans, producing many of his team's most crucial plays in the pressure-filled clash.

The 23-year-old showed why he's nicknamed "Greyhound'' with a long-range break from his own quarter that laid the platform for his side's only try, while he also saved three others with last-ditch tackles in the corner on Rod Davies, Anthony Faingaa and James Slipper.

With Wallabies coach Robbie Deans watching from the stands, Mogg could have hardly produced a better Test audition.

It was a far cry from the Queensland product's first appearance at Suncorp last year when the Reds won 19-12 and assistant coach Stephen Larkham wanted to hook the struggling rookie.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"This time last year he was a deer in headlights,'' Brumbies coach Jake White said.

"It was a real turning point in his career.

"I said to Stephen we're going to leave him on for 80 minutes so he learns everything he has to about how rugby should be played.

"Because we left him there, he understands it now.''

White tipped Mogg to continue to improve and, if he does, a Wallabies jersey against the Lions is a genuine possibility.

Mogg's high-stakes performance couldn't be more timely as it came 24 hours after Folau produced his best game of the year in the Waratahs' 25-20 upset of the Chiefs.

Deans has spoken highly of both fullbacks but he's unlikely to blood both against the Lions.

The New Zealander admitted Folau was better suited to making his Test debut on the wing, which could also be an option for Mogg if the likes of Kurtley Beale or James O'Connor are being eyed off at fullback.

Reds strike weapon Digby Ioane is certain to be on one wing, and he again showed he is the most dangerous ball-carrier in Australia with a tackle-shredding return against the Brumbies.

Deans was also well pleased with Christian Lealiifano's display, scoring all 19 of the Brumbies' points, kicking five from five and playing both five-eighth and inside centre.

For a possible selection trial, the Wallabies coach was highly impressed with the intensity of the Suncorp Stadium clash.

Brumbies skipper Ben Mowen furthered his cause for a back-row spot while Liam Gill marginally shaded George Smith, who was open to a Test comeback if the ARU gets permission from his Japanese club Suntory.

"As a contest in terms of a derby - brilliant,'' Deans said. "From our perspective, great prep for what's coming.''

---

Tune into Rugby HQ from 8.30pm (EST) Thursday on Fox Sports 1HD for all your Super and Test rugby news!

---

23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

Call for annual Tonga-Samoa Test

Try time ... Samisoni Langi goes over the line in Saturday's clash between Samoa and Tonga. Source: By Robb Cox / AAP

Samoa captain Roy Asotasi wants to play an annual rugby league Test against traditional rivals Tonga, but says security needs to be addressed after the pitch invasion that ended Saturday night's game prematurely.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Tonga won 36-4 but the match at Penrith effectively ended over a minute early after several dozen enthusiastic spectators swarmed onto the pitch after Tonga's final try.

Referee Matt Cecchin headed down the tunnel with time still left on the clock and five-eighth Samisoni Langi wasn't able to take the final conversion attempt after the ball went missing and play did not restart.

"I wasn't frightened at all. It was fun,'' Langi said.

Both Asotasi and Tongan counterpart Brent Kite want the game to become an annual event, though they conceded security might be an issue.

"The crowd is just passionate about both nations and obviously there are boundaries that need to be put into place just to look after player safety,'' Asotasi said.

"It's something that probably needs to be looked at.''

Kite said he was a "little worried'' about the situation that eventuated at the end of Saturday's game but stated the fans were ``friendly people and they just like the limelight''.

"The pleasing thing with this game is it might lead the way to more of these matches,'' he said.

"There's a spot in the representative calendar. It's a great way to showcase the talents coming from a Polynesian heritage.''

Tonga coach Charles Tonga described the victory as historical and amazing, and emphasised the passion on display at Penrith would have been amplified may times over back home.

"I know my people will be going crazy,'' Tonga said.

"What you see on the football field there, that's minute. Tonga will be so proud.''

Asotasi felt the unexpectedly heavy loss could be regarded as a reality check for a Samoan side containing several former Australian and New Zealand internationals heading into the World Cup later this year.

"Regardless of the names that we have in the side it's probably a wake-up call that it's not going to be easy,'' Asotasi said.

---

Tune into Rugby HQ from 8.30pm (EST) Thursday on Fox Sports 1HD for all your Super and Test rugby news!

23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

North thrash Lions in Etihad rout

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Big win ... Lindsay Thomas celebrates one of North Melbourne's many goals. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

For 13 minutes this game was alive.

That was when Majak Daw was on the field.It's not often the build-up and hype matches the actual event but it certainly did for the much-anticipated Daw debut.

5.10 (40)	Q1	1.2 (8)
8.13 (61)	Q2	4.5 (29)
15.16 (106)	Q3	6.5 (41)
18.17 (125)	Q4	9.8 (62)

Drew Petrie 4	Marco Paparone 3
Lindsay Thomas 4	Rohan Bewick 2
Leigh Adams 1	Joshua Green 1
Majak Daw 1	Nial McKeever 1
Sam Gibson 1	Tom Rockliff 1
Lachlan Hansen 1	Dayne Zorko 1
Jamie MacMillan 1
Aaron Mullett 1
Scott D Thompson 1
Daniel Wells 1
Sam Wright 1
Jack Ziebell 1

He took a hanger in North's first forward thrust, kicked the goal and then was mobbed by every one of his teammates.

That alone was worth the price of admission.

Unfortunately the rest probably wasn't.

Thoughts of a Daw bag and an ESPN SportsCentre-type highlight reel were dashed when at the 18-minute mark - he'd just come back onto the ground after a few minutes on the bench - the head of teammate Ben Cunnington knocked him out.

The Sudanese wonder had been swung around in a tackle into his mate and the result was him being carried off by two trainers, taken into the rooms and then subbed out of the game.

Talk about sucking the air out of an event.

Kangaroos coach Brad Scott admitted he was as excited as the crowd by Daw's brilliant start.

"I did go up with the rest of the crowd and half our (coaches) box when he took that first mark,'' said Scott.

Scott was also pleased with how well Daw handled the hype around his historic debut.

"Majak, in his short time on the ground, didn't put a foot wrong,'' said Scott.

"He positioned himself where we wanted him to, he jumped at the footy. He competed at the ground and he showed some of the things he can do on the footy field.''

While everyone had been watching Daw, the Roos had done what we'd expected for a 0-3 team who have much grander visions than that.

They'd bounced out of the gates and if they'd kicked straight would have been 62 up and not 32 at quarter-time.

Former Lions skipper Jonathan Brown summed up his team's efforts given he didn't touch the ball in the opening 30 minutes, although to be fair Brisbane's second inside 50m for the quarter came 17 minutes in.Adding to his misery Brown's opponent Scott Thompson was the leading possession winner on the ground at half-time with 17 which included a thumping 55m goal.

It was another North defender who set the tone for the second half with Shaun Atley's pace creating the opening two goals inside eight minutes which ended any hopes of Brisbane making a game of it.By the 16-minute mark the lead was out past 10 goals after Jack Ziebell again imposed himself on the contest with his third big contested mark of the evening.

He was one of numerous North midfielders who started to feed on the Lions carcass although no-one was enjoying it as much as Lindsay Thomas.

The Roos goalsneak seems to have taken a leaf out of the Hayden Ballantyne school of getting under the nose of opponents.

Several times he was caught in the middle of scraps or lying on the deck courtesy of an undiscplined act by a Brisbane player.

It's certainly working given the men in green yesterday gave him six free-kicks with his four goals taking him to the top of the goal-kicking table, tied with Collingwood's Travis Cloke on 16.

Drew Petrie chimed in with four goals but the load was spread with 12 goalkickers.

One of the best came from young defender Aaron Mullett who took four bounces before drilling the shot from 30m early in the final term.

Brisbane's performance isn't a good advertisement for the NAB Cup.

---

Re-live the Kangaroos break their duck with a big win over the Lions with our FOX FOOTY Match Centre, featuring play-by-play commentary and all the vital stats.

---

A month ago they danced around Etihad Stadium with vigour and purpose winning the pre-season competition over Carlton by 40 points.

Since then the Blues took until their fourth outing to win a game while the Lions fell over the line against Gold Coast and have lost their two visits to the scene of the great triumph by a combined total of 131 points.

They were never in this game and while some kids such as Dane Zorko, Sam Mayes, Mitch Golby and debutant Marco Paparone (three goals) showed flashes the senior core struggled badly.

Brent Moloney struggled for impact while another ex-Demon Stefan Martin was ordinary.

Daniel Merrett had a horror at full-back, Andrew Raines struggled to contain Daniel Wells and Daniel Rich, who was the best player on the ground in the NAB Cup GF, had minimal impact.

23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Cloke, Selwood simply inspirational'

Inspirational ... Joel Selwood and Travis Cloke are match-winners. Source: FOX SPORTS

Fox Sports AFL expert Julian de Stoop reviews round three in the AFL and discusses his likes and dislikes.

It was another big weekend in the AFL with some gusty wins and unlucky injuries, we bring you the best and worst from the week that was.

Do you agree? Tell us what you liked to disliked from the weekend by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

---

Likes

Travis Cloke
There were some who suggested during Travis Cloke's protracted contract negotiations last year that he wouldn't be a huge loss for Collingwood if he decided to head west to Fremantle or link up with his former coach Mick Malthouse at Carlton. What a load of rubbish. Cloke is arguably the league's most valuable key forward and he showed exactly why against Richmond. In one of his finest ever performances Cloke finished with a career high seven goals and 14 marks. His third quarter was one for the ages – six disposals, six marks – four of those contested and four goals turned the tide the Pies way. His battle with rising Essendon defender Jake Carlisle will be fascinating on Anzac Day

Joel Selwood
Last week we sang the praises of Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge - this week all the accolades are with a man who mirrors him in so many ways - Cats captain Joel Selwood. He was the key to the Cats' win over the Hawks in Round 1 but against the Swans on Friday night he was inspirational. The skipper had 30 disposals, nine tackles, seven clearances and a goal only tell part of the story. He was the man that orchestrated the Cats' match-winning third term where he had a hand in all seven of their goals. The triple premiership player is leading a team that deserves to be premiership favorites. Geelong has beaten both of last year's grand finalists in the opening month and remember they play seven of their last 11 matches at Simonds Stadium, a ground they have lost just three times at since the beginning of 2007.

Melbourne
Quite rightly, the Demons have copped it from all quarters after an insipid opening three rounds and when they trailed by 19 points at three quarter time against the Giants many thought time was nearly up for coach Mark Neeld. But instead of wilt his charges delivered the highest scoring quarter in the club's history. The Demons kicked 12.2 to 2.2 to charge to a 41-point victory and take the heat off - temporaily at least - their under siege coach. Big bodies Colin Sylvia, Nathan Jones and Nathan Jamar got it started in the middle with Michael Evans (three goals), Jeremy Howe (three), Aaron Davey (two) and Max Gawn (two) finishing the job up forward. Melbourne were well led by young captains Jack Trengove and Jack Grimes but it will all be in vain if they reproduce the same effort against Brisbane Lions next week.

Carlton
Despite Mick Malthouse stating during the week winning isn't everything at Carlton at the moment, the cold hard facts are the Blues needed to break their duck in Perth to have any chance of playing finals this year. There are too many good sides in the competition to start 0-4 and expect to still be around in September. Malthouse spent the week talking about 'processes' and his men got it just right against the Eagles. The old master doesn't like high scoring shootouts like his team produced in the first three weeks and against West Coast his team gave up just seven goals. Although the Eagles wayward kicking 7.23 certainly helped. The move of Chris Yarran (four goals) paid dividends and with matches in the next six weeks against Adelaide, Melbourne, St Kilda, Port Adelaide, Brisbane and GWS Giants, the Blues are capable of getting on a roll.

Brendon Goddard
He isn't everyone's cup of team but one thing you get from Brendon Goddard is honesty. Some have criticised his post-match tears after his new team Essendon dismantled his old side St Kilda but it showed how tough it was for the former No.1 draft pick to leave the Saints and how much he still loves his former club. Those who branded him a mercenary should think again. Goddard also spoke out against his club's decision for airing James Hird's post-match speech following the Bombers' emotional win over Fremantle on Fox Footy's The Hangar. While I disagree with Goddard's view once again it was honest. In an industry when cliché's are the norm, we should applaud those who speak their mind.

Dislikes

Score Reviews
The concept is sound but like 2012, the execution is off the mark. The problem is the video umpire is trying to be too precise. If the ball appears to have crossed the goal line from four different angles then it's most likely a goal. Like the tribunal let's work on the balance of probabilities. Richmond midfielder Shaun Grigg and Demons forward Shannon Byrnes were both robbed of clear goals on the weekend. Let's hope an error doesn't cost a team big time at the business end of the season.

Daniel Menzel's knees
In football terms, the plight of Daniel Menzel is a tragedy. A prodigious talent the young Cat has again been struck down by a knee injury in just his second game back in the VFL and it has the Cats fearing the worst. The 22-year-old has already had two knee reconstructions as well as LARS surgery late last year but Chris Scott said two weeks ago if Menzel is struck down again he has no doubts he will fightback. Let's hope the coach is right.

West Coast Eagles
One of the pre-season premiership favorites, the Eagles have had a terrible opening month. Injuries have been a factor with the loss of Nic Naitanui the most telling but three losses at Patersons Stadium (one of those to Fremantle) is a cause for alarm. Their only win came against lowly Melbourne. This week they travel to Adelaide to take on a rampant Port Adelaide and another loss will put their top four hopes in serious jeopardy.

Brisbane Lions
What is wrong with the pre-season premiers? Belted by the Bulldogs in Round 1, over-run by the Crows at home in Round 2 and very ordinary against the Kangaroos in Round 4. Their only win was a narrow one over the Suns in Round 3. No-one thought the Lions were going to be contenders after their NAB Cup triumph but given they won 10 matches last year they looked capable of knocking on the door of the top 8 but at the moment they appear a million miles away. A home game against Melbourne next week will provide some relief but Lions fans look away now, following the Demons you play; Sydney, West Coast, Essendon, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong and Hawthorn. Brutal.

Lewis Jetta and Sam Reid
The duo are two of the Swans' best young players but so far in 2013 they have both failed to fire a shot. Jetta was always going to come in for more attention following his stellar 2012 season but as John Longmire said following the loss to the Cats, the speedster isn't using his greatest asset ... his speed ... to his advantage. Reid's greatest strength is his marking but he appears to have lost confidence in the air and with Kurt Tippett unavailable until mid-year and Lewis Roberts-Thomson injured he needs to rediscover it quickly. Last year Jetta and Reid combined for 76 goals. This year they have contributed just five.

23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

League plays part in Mariners win

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The witch is dead ... Arnold final lifts the A-League trophy. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Ding, dong, the witch is dead.

That was the late Jack Gibson's famous cry after Parramatta's drought-winning 1981 rugby league win and after Central Coast overcame the Eels' housemates from Parramatta Stadium, Graham Arnold revealed rugby league played a significant role in helping the Mariners to their maiden A-League Championship.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The jubilant, relieved Mariners boss quoted the late Jack Gibson before revealing that master NRL mentor Wayne Bennett provided the key insight that helped differentiate this Mariners crop from others in the past.

"I've had a wonderful tutor in Guus Hiddink, and Pim Verbeek, but they're overseas," Arnold said post match.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"I always try to learn, and learn from the best and the best in Australia is (Newcastle Knights coach) Wayne Bennett.

---

Re-live our live blog of the game, featuring video of the key moments.

---

"I went and had lunch with Wayne and he was a fantastic mentor for me with his experience.

"He basically said to me: 'I'll tell you how to win a grand final'.

"Good shoulder to lean on and to learn from a guy with a lot more experience than me.

"Even yesterday (Saturday) he said: 'don't play the game today, it's tomorrow, keep them relaxed'."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Indeed, they looked relaxed, prevailing after so many questions were thrown at them: would they prevail after the AFC Champions League commitments? Could they handle the pressure? Could they finally get the monkey off their back – and would they get a better chance to do so?

Daniel McBreen smashed the penalty hoodoo. And the side closed out the game expertly. There would be no dramatic late twists this time. 

"It's actually very hurtful when people write we are chokers," Arnold said.

"We've played three grand finals in seven years before this.

"It's a totally different group of players, two different coaches.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"That was the motivation.

"Thank you for that."

---

Miss something? Catch every tackle, foul and goal in out A-League Match Centre!

---

Western Sydney Wanderers might have struck the decisive blow in the race for the Premiers' Plate, but Arnold revealed the defeat forced an ironic shift in goals for the Mariners.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Arnold has long aired his preference for the first past the post system, but seeing the premiership slip away helped the club puts its energy into what the players and the fans so desperately yearned for.

"The motivation after we lost to Western Sydney at home, we changed our goals," Arnold explained. 

"We spoke about what we really wanted ... what the players wanted the most.

"We sort of had a vote, the premiership or the grand final.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"The players went after what the club hadn't achieved and what the supporters wanted.

"That was four or five weeks ago. We re-focused and put a lot of effort into that.

"Mile, Patrick, Hutchinson, the senior players ... had to lead and the young boys will always follow. The young boys were very good again tonight.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"I'm very proud."

---

Read the match report of the Mariners grand final victory.

---

Arnold admits the group had a "perfect week" and it showed on the pitch with a dominant performance, with the side rising to the occasion.

A lot was said about the two fairytales leading into this clash.

But there's no doubt the Mariners have excelled from adversity to hoist the trophy, after their financial hardship earlier this season.

"I leaned a lot on the senior players to keep the group together and we used it as motivation not do derail our season.

"Thankfully, it's all sorted out.

"I wanted to be there for every player and their families to to make sure everyone was okay.

"I had a lot of faith in the PFA and the chairman that something would get sorted out. And it did."

There won't be long for the champagne to flow, with the side back on a plane to face Suwon Bluewings in an ACL clash this week.

The taste and adrenalin of victory will make that trip easier, but once there's time to reflect, this group might look back on their last achievement together as a unit, making this achievement not only special, but timely.

"I never stand in anyone's way," Arnold added.

"We have three young boys I honestly think have reached their maximum development here in Australia.

"If they want to go on and be ... very good Socceroos ... they need to go to another level.

"Playing 27 games a season is not enough.

"They've probably reached their peak with us.

"Maty Ryan is always complaining to me he's never got a save to make; young Bernie Ibini wants to do more; Sainsbury has been excellent.

"I can't answer what the older guys want to do.

"The exciting thing if I stay it will be to re-generate the squad and bring some new kids in."

It might be the end of an era, but with this club's track record, you'd be brave to bet against them being there or there abouts again next year.

23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

Raikkonen stirs Red Bull rumours

Close ... Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen shares a joke with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso. Source: William West / AAP

Kimi Raikkonen says he is yet to give any thought about where he might drive next year amid renewed speculation the Finn may replace Mark Webber at Red Bull.

With the relationship between Webber and Sebastian Vettel, which was lukewarm at the best of times, hitting an irreparable low in the fall-out from Vettel's contentious victory at the Malaysian GP, Webber is expected to leave the world champions when his one-year deal expires in eight months.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo and highly-rated young charger Felix da Costa have both been cited as candidates to replace Webber, but it is Raikkonen who appears to be in pole position to fill the seat alongside Vettel.

Nevertheless, Raikkonen is adamant he is in no rush to finalise a deal for next season despite his own deal with Lotus expiring at the end of this year.

"I have no contract for next year - that much is true. But further than that, I don't want to discuss the matter. I want to do well this season and everything else will fall into place," he told the official Formula 1 website.

"There are many things that are undecided and there is still a long way to go this season, so let's see how things unfold. We will see pretty significant changes when teams switch to their 2014 car development - and then it will be interesting to see what is going on."

Speculation that Raikkonen is poised to transfer to Red Bull has intensified in recent weeks, with Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft among those predicting the Finn will partner Vettel next year.

"From talking to people in the paddock and watching what is going on, I just have the feeling that a big-name signing, even though they have plenty of good up-and-coming drivers in the Red Bull development programme, is what they want," Croft said.

Unlike the plain-spoken Webber, who caused a stir in midweek by dining with Vettel's rival Fernando Alonso, Raikkonen is a close friend of the German and possesses the sort of laidback character which is likely to bring harmony to a team ripped apart by events at Sepang.

"Kimi is holding a lot of good cards," said Sky F1 pundit Anthony Davidson. "Raikkonen is good friends with Vettel and they play badminton together - and apparently Kimi always wins."

Whereas visualising Raikkonen in a Red Bull racing suit next year is easier to foresee than imagining the taciturn Finn decked out in a badminton kit, the picture is cloudier for Webber's future.

While the rumours of Webber signing a five-year deal with Porsche were given short shrift by the 36-year-old in the Bahrain paddock this week, the veteran dodged an invitation on Friday to confirm he will continue in F1 next year and a switch of motorsport series remains feasible.

---

Read more at http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12473/8662572/Kimi-Raikkonen-backed-for-Red-Bull-move-as-he-insists-he-won-t-be-rushed-into-choice

23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More