For all the driving talent in the world that he possesses, the notion of a contract and its binding terms still manages to escape the ‘Ice Man’ Kimi Raikkonen. The cool Finn still kept the silver of McLaren hanging in his closet as he discussed terms to don the scarlet red of Ferrari, just in case the negotiations fell through.
Following that, Ferrari then offered him a huge cash payment, the likes that somebody of even his earning prowess couldn’t refuse, to vacate his Formula One seat on the team. So he moved to the natural calling of all Finnish drivers, rallying, with some moderate results in the World Rally Championship.
The next year, he was in the midst of a return to Formula One, with reports placing him on the John Hancock end of an agreement with Renault. That deal went sour and the Finn was on the hunt again.
Now however, it would appear that he has found a way to avoid the iron-clamp of a contract, by forming his own team. Having confirmed his participation in the Rally Sweden just days before the deadline, reports are indicating that he will be launching his own WRC team for this year.
The team will be called “ICE 1’ in reference to his nickname and his weapon of choice will be the Citroen DS3 WRC. As for the business end of the team, financial support will supposedly be channelled from Raikkonen’s own pool of sponsors.
It could be quite an interesting development if it does indeed happen and hopefully having his own team will spur the Finn to build on his previous performance.
Source: ESPN
