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October 2, 2009

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Raikkonen Could Walk Away From F1

KIMI Raikkonen has suggested he could walk away from Formula One after losing his place at Ferrari to Spain's Fernando Alonso.

"So far I have not really talked too much about what I will do next as I still have time to make my decision and I will let you know when I have," the 2007 world champion said at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka yesterday.

"I had a contract for next year, but now I don't, so that changes things. So maybe I race, maybe I do not," added the Finn.

Ferrari announced on Wednesday that Renault's double world champion Alonso would be joining the team next year and Raikkonen leaving, despite having a contract for 2010.

Raikkonen suggested that commercial issues had played a part in his departure, with Spanish bank Santander arriving as a major Ferrari backer.

The Finn has been strongly linked in the paddock rumor mill to a return to McLaren, the Mercedes-powered team he left at the end of 2006.

Raikkonen told reporters he had always had a good relationship with McLaren. "If I do decide to stay in Formula One, I wouldn't go to any of the small teams, where I would not have the chance to fight for the championship," he said.

The Finn has also taken part in a round of the world rally championship this year and that could be another avenue to explore.

"There's a chance to do that, but there's as much of a chance that I continue in Formula One," he said.





 

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