Much has been speculated about Kimi Räikkönen's future as his Ferrari deal expires in 2009. Fans the world over are desperate for the "Iceman" to stay in open wheeled motorsports' highest formula, but according to Fox Sports the current world champion hopes to one day take to the sport of rallying.
The Finn is not the type to break into a Shakespearean soliloquy. When questioned about his plans post 2009 the only words he could muster were, "I have time [to decide]."
Later the "Iceman" added, "Why should I hurry? I have a contract for 2009, which I will fulfill despite all the speculation. I always keep my deals."
When asked what he would like to do following his retirement, whenever it may be, the closemouthed Finn put forward a startling revelation that is sure to shock all but the most knowledgeable Formula 1 fans.
According to Fox Sports Räikkönen is quoted as saying, "At some time I want to try rallying. That interests me; asphalt, gravel, and ice."
However, the world champion admitted that it may take some getting used to. "It's difficult to say, because I have never done a rally seriously. On asphalt I would probably be okay but on gravel I have no experience."
He also has concerns about coming to grips with having a co-pilot. "Having a co-pilot for me would be difficult. I am not used to that."
Taking all of this into account, it is important to remember that it is at the moment simply gossip. No official press conference has been held in which Kimi has openly spoken about his desire to one day compete in rallying.
Given his history, however, it is not an impossibility. The only thing that is for sure is that the current world champion will be racing next year, much to the delight of many fans.
What is your opinion on the matter?
The URL of my original source is http://msn.foxsports.com/motor/story/8387932/Raikkonen-considers-rally-driving
14 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
James Walker 11 months ago
I don't know how legitimate the source is but I thought it was interesting and thought/ hoped you all would too. I think it is an interesting talk point to say in the least and with the Kimster you can never be too sure.
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James Walker 11 months ago
oh no as far as I'm concerned he'll see his contract through, no doubt. he is a true professional.
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Billy Sexton 11 months ago
interesting stuff... his older brother Rami is/was a rally driver if i'm not mistaken?
i would like kimi to stay in F1, i think he is a very good driver and can really deliver.
however its up to kimi not me!
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James Walker 11 months ago
yea he does, last i heard though he was racing in F3 or something like that
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James Walker 11 months ago
well there's your answer lol
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Dave Bates 11 months ago
Well im gonna give you POTD when i get my vote back, although its not your longest or best article lol. I find it interesting.
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Ben Auty 11 months ago
Interesting stuff ...
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Anne Doe 11 months ago
He only said he didn't go into ralllying first because he didn't want to copy his brother. Sounds like a classic case of sibling rivalry to me
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Paul 11 months ago
Kimi will be at Ferrari, through at least 2010, longer if he wins the title.
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Saraswathi Siriginia 11 months ago
That brings up an interesting question, "What if he fails to win in 2009?" Is he going to stick around Ferrari knowing that he is not their golden boy anymore?
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Paul 11 months ago
Kimi is not going anywhere short term. Still think he has grown up in the last couple of years, if he gets a grasp of reality, he will want a lot more from F1. If he and Alonso could get a bit of rivalry going(that depends on the car)Kimi could really get involved
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dAVe b 11 months ago
i'd hate to see him leave. there are two sides to the "world champion" coin: sure he's "done that" and may feel he needs to move on, but on the other hand becoming champ is accompanied by new challenges. i'm not as interested in his fulfilling his contract, as he obviously will. i'm more anxious to see that he doesn't leave f1 out of some sense of boredom, though he's never boring to watch...
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Paul 11 months ago
Good point, it was in pert what I was referring to when I mentioned Alonso!
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Pia Ahonen-Hocking 11 months ago
Raikkonen said: "I never said anything like that. I only said that I have a contract until the end of next year and then somebody made up that I will stop at the end of this year or the end of next year, but I never said that."
He is NOT leaving for rally. He just have said that after F1 he would like try rally. When AFTER F1 is, he never have said that. Why people are talking about this same thing again and again? seems that is not matter what Kimi says himself, media keep talking about his retirement. geesh.
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