Earlier this week, it was announced that Raikkonen would begin his NASCAR foray this summer, with selected races in the Truck Series (where rookies usually begin their careers in NASCARon their way to the premier Sprint Cup Series). His programme would be backed by Foster Gillett, who would provide a large portion of Raikkonen's ICE1 Racing budget for the year.
Both Raikkonen and his manager Steve Robertson confirmed the news yesterday, but didn't share any more information on Kimi's plans for the future. For instance, neither made any projections for next year or confirmed whether the Finn would continue his rallying career next year or focus entirely on his NASCAR plans.
In case the latter happens, his former teammate in Formula 1 Montoya would be happy to race him as soon as possible.
“Well, people talk a lot and I've heard the story already before, but if he's definitely coming it would be really good for him and for the sport,” said Montoya in a recent interview with Autosport. “He would be very welcome here.”
Montoya and Raikkonen raced for the same team in the Great Circus starting in 2005, when the Colombian joined McLaren Mercedes. A year and a half later, Montoya announced he has reached a deal for a NASCAR programme in the Truck Series, and left the Woking based organization to start off his new career in stock car racing.
Starting 2007, Montoya has been competing at Sprint Cup level, making the Chase (the final phase of the title push in the series) a couple of years later.
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