Raikkonen Might Stay in the WRC from 2010 Onwards

Kimi Raikkonen admitted he would like to return to Formula One and win some more championships from 2011 onwards, but the prospect of staying in the World Rally Championship and growing into a world champion is just as attractive. According to Citroen's boss Olivier Quesnel, in case the Finn becomes successful in the WRC next year, there is a high possibility he'll continue rallying two years from now.

“We are not asking for the impossible for a first season, but it is clear that if he progresses and shows the right level then he could slot into the first team (in 2011),” Quesnel is quoted as saying to France's Auto Hebdo.

Raikkonen signed a one-year deal with the French manufacturer – via his and the team's main sponsor Red Bull energy drink – for a full schedule in 2010 at the wheel of a Citroen C4 WRC. However, the Finn will not drive alongside 6-time world champion Sebastien Loeb, but as official driver of Citroen Junior Team, the manufacturer's satellite team in the series.

Raikkonen will contest in 12 of the scheduled 13 rounds for the 2010 World Rally season, leaving Rally New Zealand out of his rookie programme in the WRC.

The 30-year old made only one appearance in an official WRC round, during last season's Rally Finland, where he crashed out during Day 2 of the competition. Before losing control of his Fiat Abarth Grande Punto S2000, the Finn was running in 15th place overall, despite some mechanical problems with his car.

In case his WRC adventure doesn't go as planned, Raikkonen's return to F1 might be linked with Red Bull Racing. The Finn is currently sponsored by the Austrian energy drink in the WRC and might be offered a seat with the Milton Keynes based team in 2011, replacing Mark Webber (who's deal is to run out at the end of 2010).