No F1 drive for Raikkonen in 2010 - manager

 No F1 drive for Raikkonen in 2010 - manager
Kimi Raikkonen talks to the press ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix

Kimi Raikkonen will be absent from the formula one grid next season, his manager Steve Robertson announced to the Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat late on Tuesday.

The Finn, having agreed to make way for Fernando Alonso at Ferrari, had been in serious talks with McLaren, but the parties reportedly disagreed about his salary, sponsor duties and his freedom to race in rallies.

"The only option for F1 next season was McLaren or nothing," Robertson said. "Kimi and McLaren were unable to reach an agreement, so he will not drive at F1 level, at least not next year."

Raikkonen's severance deal with Ferrari means that he stands making more money by taking a year off in 2010 than he would if he had stayed in F1.

Turun Sanomat said the most likely option for a Raikkonen return in 2011 is with Red Bull Racing.

Next year, he is likely to be active in rally cars and possibly the Le Mans 24 Hours, the newspaper added.

 

Source: GMM

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 Lamborghini Lamborghini
There goes one of my favorite drivers. I really hope that he will return in 2011.
November 18, 2009 2:19 pm
 kenta kenta
There was once the moderator of ESPN said, "want to WIN, get a FINN". I am not sure the day of great drivers like Hakkinen and Raikkonen would return. Hope you find a right spot, Kimi.
November 18, 2009 3:28 pm
 chris25 chris25
Good bye Kimi & u will be missed a lot & I can't believe Jenson nutcase got the deal.
November 18, 2009 4:16 pm
 nederina nederina
Once you're out it is hard for you to make a comeback. schumacher, hakkinen, piquet, villenueve, etc. guess kimi wants $$$ than a winning championship car. that a shame! bye bye
November 18, 2009 4:25 pm
 bjoy bjoy
good ridence... all he does is complain and ask for rediculous sums of money... i am looking forward to watching loeb walk all over him...
November 18, 2009 4:33 pm
 Viking79 Viking79
Lying to officials, a monopoly run by a mr. Burnsesque mad man, Honda, Toyota, and Bmw dropping out, a dillusion of the talent pool, and now no Finns in F1. I'm out.
November 18, 2009 4:49 pm