Kimi Räikkönen has just given a whole bunch of autographs to German fans. We are sitting in Citroen's lounge, just the two of us. In the afternoon Räikkönen let understand in MTV3's interview that his leaf in F1 would by this stage be already turned.When I pressed him asking him if this was the final decision, the rally rookie makes faces, tosses and turns and almost whispers so uneasily that even the experts on exposing lies would most certainly not be convinced that the reply is truthful.
Of course the subject is difficult for the driver when there are no contracts - hardly even negotiations - about next season. At this moment continuing in rally is yet the option that interests him more.
It's as if he would have to choose between morning porridge with strawberry jam and sugar or just porridge. Rally would offer him sweetness for his whole belly even though the other option would offer remarkably more money.
Räikkönen has always been an individual with a strong will. A Finn who is stubborn and walks his own path, who bystanders can influence only by confirming the man's decision.
The old saying says 'never say never' - and you have reason to believe in this at this stage. The only thing that is certain is that Räikkönen doesn't drive his last year in rally but it's not yet certain if the rally career continues in 2011.
Big marketing powers are needed to bring alive Räikkönen's enthusiasm to drive in F1 again.
One year ago Räikkönen himself believed that he would be driving for Ferrari in F1. Everything changed during Aug-Sep.
It might still happen again. In the top of motorsport everything is always possible starting from injuries to surprising firings.
Trier/Heikki Kulta
Source: Turun Sanomat
Courtesy: Nicole
