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Raikkonen's new contract logical - Prost

London - Formula 1 legend Alain Prost has backed Ferrari's decision to stick with Kimi Raikkonen.

Finn Raikkonen's new contract for 2017 has been controversial, given the fact younger chargers like Sergio Perez, Daniel Ricciardo or Romain Grosjean were reportedly keen to join the fabled Maranello marque.

But Prost, who was actually fired by Ferrari in his second season with the team in 1991, backed the Scuderia's call.

F1 needs Kimi

The veteran told Canal Plus: "Kimi is an icon in F1 and the sport needs personalities like that.

"My view is that Ferrari's decision to extend his contract was quite logical, especially given the rule change that is coming.

"It would have been too disturbing to have another driver, and a younger one too, when they are still trying to rebuild the team with Sebastian Vettel."

READ: Vettel - 'I want to be a world champion with Ferrari'

Prost added: "As we saw at Silverstone, Ferrari is now the third force behind Red Bull and more difficult for them. They were fighting with Force India all race so they have a lot to do and they need some stability and calm because they are not at the level they should be.

"So I think it's not a bad decision to keep Kimi for another year."

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