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Raikkonen Rules Out F1 Return in 2011

The rumors that Kimi Raikkonen is no longer focusing on a potential return to Formula One nest season started circulating the media for quite some time, but on Thursday they were confirmed by the very manager of the Finnish driver, Steve Robertson.

Robertson told Finnish television MTV3 that the Great Circus is no longer of interest for his client and the only thing on Raikkonen's mind right now is to continue his adventure in the World Rally Championship.

We are no longer looking out for opportunities for Formula One. Kimi seems to be focused on rallying at the moment,” Robertson was quoted as saying by the aforementioned television.

However, for the time being, Raikkonen is yet to secure a deal in the WRC for the 2011 campaign. His management is in advanced talks with Citroen Junior Team, but some other opportunities have also presented for him in recent weeks. One of them would be a racing spot with the Monster Energy Drink-backed Ford outfit, which would mean that he should terminate his partnership with Red Bull.

We are having discussions with several different teams and I cannot say more,” added Robertson.

Raikkonen has been in contact with several F1 teams throughout the 2010 year, but in the end he chose none. A potential return could happen in 2012, when Mark Webber's contract with Red Bull Racing runs out. In order for that to happen, he should maintain backing from the Austrian energy drink company next year also.
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