Even though testing has begun with day one at Jerez complete, we’re still a month and a half away from the first Grand Prix in Australia. Aside from all the major questions about the new engines and reliability, and whether Sebastian Vettel will make it five in a row, there is still one question that I can’t wait to see how the answer will be played out: Will Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso be able to play nice at Ferrari?

For decades now the Ferrari team has run with a #1 and a #2 driver. Both men knew their spot and both men knew where they stood. Interestingly enough the last time the #1 and #2 positions at Ferrari were in some muddy water was the last time Raikkonen was with the team. He was outperformed in 2008 and 2009 by Felipe Massa before his traumatic accident in Hungary. Raikkonen left the team after 2009 and it has been Alonso’s team and his #1 spot since.

Both Raikkonen and Alonso feel they are contenders for the title this year, and they should feel that way coming off of great seasons last year with a few wins and many trips to the podium between the two of them. They’ll have a new engine and hopefully a clean slate that will give them a chance against Vettel who absolutely dominated the entire season last year winning 13 races and only finishing off the podium three times.

So the stage is set where their biggest competition might be themselves. They are being diplomatic about it now saying they will both be racing hard and there is no way to tell how each situation will be handled as each race goes along.

I will be interested to see that if and when the time comes will Alonso or Raikkonen step aside so the other may vanquish the tyranny of Red Bull Racing?

Thanks for reading. Please follow me on Twitter – @Billman93 and follow the site – @lastwordonsport. Please take a moment to like our Facebook Page.

Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? If so, check out our “Join Our Team” page to find out how.

Main photo credit: ChrisMRichards via photopin cc