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Alonso 'a great driver' - Raikkonen

ESPN Staff
September 11, 2013 « Domenicali and Alonso pay tribute to Massa | Alonso thanks Massa and welcomes Raikkonen »
Kimi Raikkonen will replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari next season © Sutton Images
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Kimi Raikkonen has described Fernando Alonso as "a great driver" and says he "can't wait" to re-join Ferrari.

News of Raikkonen's return to Ferrari was confirmed on Wednesday following Felipe Massa's announcement that he would not be remaining with the team beyond the end of this season. Speaking to the official Ferrari website, Raikkonen said he was looking forward to working with Alonso at the team where he won his world title.

"I am really happy to be returning to Maranello where I previously spent three fantastic and very successful years," Raikkonen said. "I have so many memories of my time at Ferrari, memories which have stayed with me these past years, first and foremost, winning the World Championship title in 2007, which was really unforgettable.

"I can't wait to be driving a Prancing Horse car again and to reacquaint myself with so many people with whom I had such close links, as well as working with Fernando, whom I consider a great driver, in order to bring the team the success it deserves."

Team principal Stefano Domenicali said he had noticed Raikkonen's hunger to return to Ferrari.

"I sense he is very happy to be returning to Maranello and very determined to tackle the work that awaits him in the best way possible," he said.

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