'Raikkonen closes in on Citroen rally deal'

Saturday 28th November 2009

Kimi Raikkonen is set to walk away from F1 and a possible drive with Mercedes GP as reports claim he's on the verge of closing a deal to compete in next year's World Rally Championship with Citroen.

2007 F1 World Champion Raikkonen is without a drive for next season after reaching a mutual agreement with Ferrari to end his contract a year early.

And although the Finn wanted to remain in Formula One, he stated rather specifically that he would only race for McLaren as he wouldn't join a team that could not guarantee him race wins and a shot at the World title.

Talks with McLaren broken down, resulting in the Woking outfit opting instead to sign Jenson Button, leaving Raikkonen without a F1 drive.

However, the Finn is reportedly on the verge of joining Citroen in the World Rally Championship, where he would compete in a C4 World Rally Car on all 13 rounds of the Championship.

According to the official WRC website, 'nothing is signed yet, but a source close to the 2007 F1 World Champion told wrc.com that only small details needed to be tied-up before an official announcement is made in the coming days.

'The Finn's 2010 WRC programme is understood to have been funded by Red Bull, one of Raikkonen's personal sponsors, and a major backer of Citroen's World Rally campaign.'

Should Raikkonen sign for Citroen, it would put an end to the slim chance that he could race for Mercedes GP next season.

Related Links
Hirvonen: Kimi will struggle at first in rallying

Your Comments

Brent

"jimscreechy what a bunch of drival. Your report card more likely mentioned to much of a day dreamer. Take a look at Raikkonens actual record. He has been "motivated" enough to be a star of F1 and win a world championship, he has achieved his life's goal. Have you? Jimscreechy if for years you were getting reports that said "good work, could do better", you probably have a motivation problem"

dweeb

"So either you hate Kimi because he didn't win 2 constructor championships for the Red team, or you just can't appreciate talent. The good driver/bad car comparison is BS because he won this year in a bad car that wasn't being developed any further. The lazy thing is funny because while looking lazy in 2007 he won a WDC, against the team that used stolen information to close the gap. Eating ice cream? That's BS too because I doubt there was anything he could do in the pouring rain to benefit anyone. And Massa being a better driver too? Nope, when was that last time he actually passed someone, ON TRACK! Sheesh! Face it, he's a great driver with not an once of personality. Should we get a seat for Hulk Hogan, or maybe Louis Black? I think not, and much prefer watching Kimi."

Houghy

"He's Lazy, greedy and over-rated. I hope he takes a permanent sabbatical."

demixx01

"Everybody and i mean everybody is critizign Kimi all the time.... I dont understan what is there problem with Kimi.... What I love about Kimi is that he dosent speak too much but he has proven with his talent all of these years that he is ONE OF THE BEST DRIVERS IN F1! Unfortunetely for him Ferrari did not gave him a competitive car so that he would be able to race and win the two lost championships... He did his best and he brought Ferrari in fourth place this year all by him selfe so some of the people who critize Kimi shouls reconsider what are they sayning... Ferrari made a terrible mistake by signing Alonso to race with them... Cause what happened with Renault this year for sure Alonso must have known lets say things as they are not as we want them to be.... And I beleive what they said that Alonso was the boss in Reanault so I look forward to see him to Ferrari and I hope to be his worst year in F1!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

All comments on this story