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HELSINKI : Outgoing Ferrari star Kimi Raikkonen will take next season off from Formula One as he could not get a deal with McLaren, his manager Steve Robertson was quoted as saying in the Finnish media.
"The choices in Formula One for the next season were McLaren or nothing. Kimi and McLaren could not reach an agreement so he will not drive on Formula One level for at least next season," Robertson said in an interview with the Turun Sanomat newspaper.
He said they were not negotiating with other Formula One teams and added that the 29-year-old Finn will now concentrate on other areas and could compete in some rally next season.
Robertson did not rule out Raikkonen returning to Formula One after a year off if a suitable team was found.
"Kimi is still full of the will to drive. A gap year will not mean anything in that respect. It means more that we can find a place for Kimi where he can compete to win and (compete) for the world championship," he said.
Ferrari decided to part company with Raikkonen in September and Fernando Alonso will take his position.
But Robertson insisted that Raikkonen, who won the world championship for Ferrari in 2007, remained one of the best drivers in the world.
- AFP/ir
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