Flying Finn Kimi posts top time in Monza sun

KIMI RAIKKONEN sparkled in the afternoon sunshine at Monza yesterday to post the fastest practice session time ahead of Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix.

The Finn, who yesterday ended speculation surrounding his future by extending his contract with Ferrari through to the end of the 2010 season, completed a hot lap of one minute 23.861 seconds in the closing stages of the 90-minute period, ousting BMW Sauber’s Robert Kubica from top spot by just 0.070secs.

Nick Heidfeld was a close third in his BMW Sauber, a mere 0.016secs further back, with current championship leader Lewis Hamilton down in fourth in his McLaren.

Raikkonen revealed he never had any thoughts of retiring after extending his current contract with Ferrari despite intense speculation.

“I never said retirement was an option — that was all you guys,” said Raikkonen, referring to the media.

“I said I had a contract for next year and we would see after that. I now have a couple more years, and we will look again when the times comes.”

With Raikkonen now confirming his place at Ferrari for the next two years, the focus switches to Renault’s Alonso.

It had been widely anticipated if Raikkonen had opted to step away from F1, two-time world champion Alonso would then be signed by Ferrari.

But with that avenue now closed, Alonso’s options are limited, although Honda are eager for his services.

Meanwhile Hamilton admits revenge is far from his mind this weekend, although he would relish another McLaren victory.

At the Italian GP a year ago, Ferrari’s adoring Tifosi were silenced when Fernando Alonso and Hamilton scored an emphatic one-two, leaving Raikkonen over 27 seconds adrift.

A Hamilton win at Monza tomorrow would clearly strengthen his bid for this season’s Formula One world title, and erase any lingering bitterness at what transpired in Spa five days ago.

The 23-year-old has so far exuded a calm, relaxed air, taking the penalty that robbed him of the victory in his stride. The appeal hearing into his punishment has now been fixed for Monday, September 22, at the FIA headquarters in Paris.

Hamilton sees no need to seek any retribution, just the simple desire to win another race.

“I don’t ever feel there’s a need for revenge,” insisted Hamilton. “With it so close it comes down to who does the better job on the whole.

“Coming here, it would obviously be great to win, like we did last year, to beat Ferrari on their home turf.”