Räikkönen: F1 doors still open

Kimi Räikkönen has said that he will wait until later in the year before deciding whether to return to Formula 1 next season. The Finn is rallying in the World Championship with Red Bull's Citroën Junior Team this year, having clinched the F1 title in 2007.

After finishing fifth in the Drivers' Championship in what was a difficult season for Ferrari last year, Räikkönen admits that his F1 career may continue at a later date; some believe that the Finn's sabbatical from the sport may prove to be permanent, as it was for compatriot Mika Häkkinen following his own exit in 2001.

"I've always had an interest in the WRC and, at one point in my career, I was offered this great opportunity by Red Bull – so why not take it?" the 30-year-old from Espoo told Italy's Autosprint, with Red Bull being tipped as a possible future F1 team for Kimi due to his latest connections with the Austrian energy drinks company.

"The doors to F1 are still open. I've dedicated nine years of my life to it and have some excellent memories. I will take a decision halfway through the year, to decide whether to stay in rallying or to return to racing in Grands Prix."