Raikkonen wons 18 Grands Prix and raced for Sauber, McLaren and Ferrari
Former Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen has agreed to race for Citroen's junior team in the 2010 World Rally Championship.
The 30-year-old, who left Ferrari a year early at the end of the 2009 season, will compete in 12 of the 13 events for the Red Bull-backed team.
"This is a new but very exciting challenge," said the Finn, who won the 2007 F1 drivers' title with Ferrari.
"We have a one-year contract and we will see how it goes for the future."
The one-year deal keeps alive the chances of Raikkonen returning to F1 in 2011.
After being replaced by Fernando Alonso at Ferrari, he entered negotiations with former team McLaren but failed to agree financial terms.
McLaren then recruited Brawn GP's 2009 F1 champion Jenson Button to form an all-British line-up with 2008 winner Lewis Hamilton.
Raikkonen was offered a contract by Toyota in October but reports claimed that deal was also scuppered by his salary demands.
Less than a month later, the financially troubled Japanese car maker opted to end its involvement in F1.
Raikkonen can certainly afford to take a sabbatical from F1 - he is being paid a sum believed to be in the region of 20m euros not to race for Ferrari in 2010.
He made his world rally debut on home territory in August, and looked competitive before crashing out.
Citroen's French driver Sebastien Loeb has won the last six world rally titles and Raikkonen will have one of the most competitive cars in the C4.
Citroen said on Friday that Raikkonen's co-driver will be compatriot Kaj Lindstrom, who partnered now-retired Tommi Makinen to four successive world titles in the 1990s.
France's rising hope Sebastien Ogier will drive the junior team's other car. The team will not compete in New Zealand.
Loeb and Spaniard Dani Sordo will continue to drive for the main Citroen team.
Team boss Olivier Quesnel remarked: "We will continue to count on Sebastien and Dani to defend our world titles in 2010.
"We will also be prolonging our association with Sebastien Ogier who showed outstanding potential this year.
"Last but not least, it is with immense joy that we welcome Kimi Raikkonen to our ranks. We are very proud he has chosen Citroen
News from Formula One in the Formation Lap.
Showing posts with label Raikkonen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raikkonen. Show all posts
Friday, 4 December 2009
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Raikkonen to take a sabbatical in 2010
Former world champion Kimi Raikkonen will take a sabbatical from Formula 1 next year, his manager has revealed, following the collapse of talks with McLaren about a deal for 2010.
Raikkonen said last month that, in the wake of being released from his Ferrari contract, his only option to remain in F1 was with McLaren - because he wanted to be guaranteed a top-line grand prix car.
However, amid increasing speculation that Jenson Button is on his way to the British team, Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson revealed on Tuesday night that discussions with McLaren had come to an end.
"The options in F1 were with McLaren next season or not at all," Robertson was quoted as saying by respected Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat, which has close links with the Raikkonen camp. "Kimi and McLaren were unable to reach an agreement, so he will not drive at the F1 level - at least not next year.
"A gap year means nothing for Kimi. He is more interested in fighting for wins and the world championship. F1 will miss Kimi. He worked hard over the summer - doing things in a Ferrari that only the best drivers are capable of."
AUTOSPORT understands that there were several stumbling blocks to a deal being completed with McLaren prior to the team finding out that Button was available and interested.
As well as a difference of opinion about wages, Raikkonen and McLaren were believed to not be in agreement about the number of sponsorship appearance days he should do, or about how free he was to do rallies.
With Raikkonen only interested in returning to F1 in a race-winning car, his best option for 2011 would appear to lie with Red Bull Racing - which has a theoretical vacancy for 2011 with Mark Webber currently only contracted until the end of next year.
Although it is not clear what Raikkonen will do next year, it is possible that he will focus his efforts on the World Rally Championship – while he sorts out an F1 return. Red Bull could be involved in his rally plans too.
Raikkonen said last month that, in the wake of being released from his Ferrari contract, his only option to remain in F1 was with McLaren - because he wanted to be guaranteed a top-line grand prix car.
However, amid increasing speculation that Jenson Button is on his way to the British team, Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson revealed on Tuesday night that discussions with McLaren had come to an end.
"The options in F1 were with McLaren next season or not at all," Robertson was quoted as saying by respected Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat, which has close links with the Raikkonen camp. "Kimi and McLaren were unable to reach an agreement, so he will not drive at the F1 level - at least not next year.
"A gap year means nothing for Kimi. He is more interested in fighting for wins and the world championship. F1 will miss Kimi. He worked hard over the summer - doing things in a Ferrari that only the best drivers are capable of."
AUTOSPORT understands that there were several stumbling blocks to a deal being completed with McLaren prior to the team finding out that Button was available and interested.
As well as a difference of opinion about wages, Raikkonen and McLaren were believed to not be in agreement about the number of sponsorship appearance days he should do, or about how free he was to do rallies.
With Raikkonen only interested in returning to F1 in a race-winning car, his best option for 2011 would appear to lie with Red Bull Racing - which has a theoretical vacancy for 2011 with Mark Webber currently only contracted until the end of next year.
Although it is not clear what Raikkonen will do next year, it is possible that he will focus his efforts on the World Rally Championship – while he sorts out an F1 return. Red Bull could be involved in his rally plans too.
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Raikkonen says McLaren the only option
Kimi Raikkonen has revealed that his only real opportunity to remain in Formula 1 next year is to complete a deal with McLaren.
The Finn is a free agent after this season, having agreed an early end to his contract with Ferrari, yet he has not yet firmed up his plans for 2010.
He has been linked with moves to both McLaren and Toyota next year - but he revealed ahead of Abu Dhabi that there was only one real chance for him if he was going to remain in F1.
"Toyota has not even been discussed," Raikkonen told Finnish television station MTV3. "If I want to drive [F1] cars, then McLaren in the only option. I should know the situation in the next few days."
Raikkonen said in the official FIA press conference in Abu Dhabi that there were other options for him outside of F1 – including rallying or even a sabbatical.
"Basically I have a few different options and we will see what is the best one overall and then make my decision," he said.
When asked specifically about rallying, Raikkonen said: "It is definitely one of them, but I mean it is not just Formula 1 and rallying. There are other things I could do and we will see what happens."
Speaking about the possibility of taking a sabbatical, Raikkonen said: "I can if I want. I can do whatever I want, but like I said before, I haven't made my decision what I want to do yet."
Raikkonen's decision not to pursue an offer from Toyota leaves the Japanese manufacturer facing increasing difficulties to try and find a top-line driver for 2010 – with Robert Kubica also having rejected its overtures to sign a deal with Renault.
The team is understood to have offered both Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock deals for next year, but it is looking likely that both will leave – Trulli potentially for Lotus with Glock closing in on a deal with Renault.
McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen could be one option for Toyota, with Force India's Adrian Sutil also being linked in connection with the team. Japanese Kamui Kobayashi will also put himself firmly in the frame if he impresses again this weekend, following an encouraging debut in Brazil.
The Finn is a free agent after this season, having agreed an early end to his contract with Ferrari, yet he has not yet firmed up his plans for 2010.
He has been linked with moves to both McLaren and Toyota next year - but he revealed ahead of Abu Dhabi that there was only one real chance for him if he was going to remain in F1.
"Toyota has not even been discussed," Raikkonen told Finnish television station MTV3. "If I want to drive [F1] cars, then McLaren in the only option. I should know the situation in the next few days."
Raikkonen said in the official FIA press conference in Abu Dhabi that there were other options for him outside of F1 – including rallying or even a sabbatical.
"Basically I have a few different options and we will see what is the best one overall and then make my decision," he said.
When asked specifically about rallying, Raikkonen said: "It is definitely one of them, but I mean it is not just Formula 1 and rallying. There are other things I could do and we will see what happens."
Speaking about the possibility of taking a sabbatical, Raikkonen said: "I can if I want. I can do whatever I want, but like I said before, I haven't made my decision what I want to do yet."
Raikkonen's decision not to pursue an offer from Toyota leaves the Japanese manufacturer facing increasing difficulties to try and find a top-line driver for 2010 – with Robert Kubica also having rejected its overtures to sign a deal with Renault.
The team is understood to have offered both Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock deals for next year, but it is looking likely that both will leave – Trulli potentially for Lotus with Glock closing in on a deal with Renault.
McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen could be one option for Toyota, with Force India's Adrian Sutil also being linked in connection with the team. Japanese Kamui Kobayashi will also put himself firmly in the frame if he impresses again this weekend, following an encouraging debut in Brazil.
Monday, 26 October 2009
Raikkonen aims to exit Ferrari on a high
Kimi Raikkonen says is hoping to end his Ferrari career on a high at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend.
The Finn, world champion with the Italian squad in 2007, will leave Ferrari at the end of the season to make way for Spaniard Fernando Alonso.
His exit will close a three-end stint at the Maranello-based outfit.
"The race in Abu Dhabi will be my last Grand Prix with Ferrari and as usual I will give it everything to gain the best possible result," the Finn said on Ferrari's website.
"We'll try to conclude this difficult year with a good result, hoping that it will be enough to gain the third place in the Constructors' Championship, McLaren took over in Brazil. It will be difficult, because the competition is very strong.
"Furthermore in Brazil the two titles have been assigned, so maybe there are certain drivers who will risk a little bit more, as everything has been decided already. Our direct competitors are still improving their car, while we have been using the same car since the race in Hungary at the end of July."
He added: "As I wrote before, it's time for me to say goodbye to the guys at Ferrari after three years together. I'm proud of the things we achieved, especially the drivers' title in 2007 and the constructors' title in the same year and in 2008.
"This season the car wasn't as competitive as we wanted, but at least we managed to win one race and we gained a certain amount of points. Let's hope we can conclude the season with something nice to be remembered."
Raikkonen added that it was hard to make predictions for the Yas Marina race, which will make its debut on the calendar this weekend.
"There are many expectations as far as the Yas Marina circuit is concerned, but it's difficult making any predictions, because we're racing there for the first time.
"As far as we can see the organisers have done some great work and the circuit seems to me very interesting and challenging. Furthermore there will be a very special challenge, given the fact that we'll start the race in sunlight, while it will end with artificial lights: this will definitely add some suspense."
The Finn, world champion with the Italian squad in 2007, will leave Ferrari at the end of the season to make way for Spaniard Fernando Alonso.
His exit will close a three-end stint at the Maranello-based outfit.
"The race in Abu Dhabi will be my last Grand Prix with Ferrari and as usual I will give it everything to gain the best possible result," the Finn said on Ferrari's website.
"We'll try to conclude this difficult year with a good result, hoping that it will be enough to gain the third place in the Constructors' Championship, McLaren took over in Brazil. It will be difficult, because the competition is very strong.
"Furthermore in Brazil the two titles have been assigned, so maybe there are certain drivers who will risk a little bit more, as everything has been decided already. Our direct competitors are still improving their car, while we have been using the same car since the race in Hungary at the end of July."
He added: "As I wrote before, it's time for me to say goodbye to the guys at Ferrari after three years together. I'm proud of the things we achieved, especially the drivers' title in 2007 and the constructors' title in the same year and in 2008.
"This season the car wasn't as competitive as we wanted, but at least we managed to win one race and we gained a certain amount of points. Let's hope we can conclude the season with something nice to be remembered."
Raikkonen added that it was hard to make predictions for the Yas Marina race, which will make its debut on the calendar this weekend.
"There are many expectations as far as the Yas Marina circuit is concerned, but it's difficult making any predictions, because we're racing there for the first time.
"As far as we can see the organisers have done some great work and the circuit seems to me very interesting and challenging. Furthermore there will be a very special challenge, given the fact that we'll start the race in sunlight, while it will end with artificial lights: this will definitely add some suspense."
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Toyota makes Raikkonen an offer
Toyota has offered Kimi Raikkonen a contract for next season, team president John Howett has confirmed.
The Cologne-based squad is chasing a big-name driver as it awaits the Japanese parent company’s decision on its Formula 1 future, and having missed out on the chance to sign Robert Kubica – who is bound for Renault in 2010 – has identified Raikkonen as its main target.
The 2007 world champion, who has agreed to leave Ferrari one year before the end of his contract to make way for Fernando Alonso, has also been strongly linked with a return to McLaren.
Howett told Reuters that Toyota had made Raikkonen a firm offer but admitted the Finn’s management is pushing for a higher salary.
“We don't play too many games. We put on the table what we can afford and what we think is a serious offer in the current market,” said Howett.
“I think genuinely we could work well with him, give him a car that’s quick.”
A return to McLaren is thought the most likely outcome for Raikkonen, but Howett hinted that Toyota would be more tolerant of the party-loving 30-year-old’s lifestyle than the straight-laced Woking team, which sometimes struggled to keep him on a tight rein during his last stint there.
“We have had very good relationships with Scandinavian drivers in the rallying times that enjoy life and it works very well, so we could cope with it as a team,” he said.
The Cologne-based squad is chasing a big-name driver as it awaits the Japanese parent company’s decision on its Formula 1 future, and having missed out on the chance to sign Robert Kubica – who is bound for Renault in 2010 – has identified Raikkonen as its main target.
The 2007 world champion, who has agreed to leave Ferrari one year before the end of his contract to make way for Fernando Alonso, has also been strongly linked with a return to McLaren.
Howett told Reuters that Toyota had made Raikkonen a firm offer but admitted the Finn’s management is pushing for a higher salary.
“We don't play too many games. We put on the table what we can afford and what we think is a serious offer in the current market,” said Howett.
“I think genuinely we could work well with him, give him a car that’s quick.”
A return to McLaren is thought the most likely outcome for Raikkonen, but Howett hinted that Toyota would be more tolerant of the party-loving 30-year-old’s lifestyle than the straight-laced Woking team, which sometimes struggled to keep him on a tight rein during his last stint there.
“We have had very good relationships with Scandinavian drivers in the rallying times that enjoy life and it works very well, so we could cope with it as a team,” he said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)