It appears that Kimi Raikkonen will not be taking part in Rally Finland this year. Raikkonen had hoped to compete in the race however according to Autosport, Lotus team bosses are unwilling to release him from his commitments.
Raikkonen’s contract apparently forbids him from taking part in rallying however the Finnish driver, who has returned to F1 this season having spent the previous two years in WRC, had hoped to make a one-off return to rallying. However given Robert Kubica’s severe injuries sustained in rallying last year, it is understood that boss Eric Boullier was not prepared to let Raikkonen compete in the rally.
“I sat down with Kimi earlier today and we talked about it,” Boullier told Autosport. “His contract does not allow him to go rallying and, after what happened with Robert, this team could not let him do it. He fully understands the situation, so the matter is closed now.”
