Raikkonen's Father Dies Before Christmas

Unfortunately for 2007 Formula One champion Kimi Raikkonen, the 2010 Christmas holidays have been filled with mourning and grieving. As reported by the Austrian newspaper Kleine Zeitung, the Finnish driver's father Matti died unexpectedly on Wednesday, at 56.

“Something like this - especially at Christmas - is very difficult, especially for families,” said Raikkonen's spokesman Riku Kuvaja to Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat.

Shortly after the news surfaced in the media, the former F1 racer and current rally driver in the World Rally Championship, as well as his management, asked the reporters worldwide to respect the Finn's privacy as the family grieves.

One day after the unfortunate news surfaced, British magazine Autosport revealed that the Finn's negotiations with Citroen for a new WRC deal in 2011 neared completion. According to some close sources to the French manufacturer, Raikkonen is on the verge of signing a new one-year commitment to drive for Citroen Junior team, while enjoying the same Red Bull backing.

In recent months, Raikkonen has been linked with a lot of moves inside the WRC, including a switch to Ford, under Monster energy drink sponsorship. It was rumored that part of that deal was for Kimi to also do some outings in NASCAR, but nothing has been confirmed by the 31-year old Finn.