F1: Drivers face finale with uncertain futures

From GMM

The chequered flag will wave on the 2009 season on Sunday, but the fates of several drivers are still uncertain.


2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen, having agreed to terminate his Ferrari contract to make way for Fernando Alonso, is linked with a move to McLaren or Toyota, but is believed to have run into trouble in terms of his wage demands.

Asked if switching to rallying is really an option for 2010, the 30-year-old Finn answered in Abu Dhabi: "It's definitely one of them."


Nick Heidfeld's future is also unclear as his team BMW-Sauber struggles to find a place on next year's grid, but the German driver said he is in talks with a couple of teams.

"I hope Sauber will be here next year," said the 32-year-old. "I'm pretty certain I'll be here (in F1).

"Nothing is signed yet. I'm talking to teams, and I won't say more than that, but I am confident I will be with a team," Heidfeld added.


Jarno Trulli is out of favour with his Toyota boss John Howett, and whether the team will even be given a budget for 2010 by its Tokyo based executive board is unclear.

The veteran Italian has been linked with a move to Lotus.

"I have some options," he said. "There is a high chance of leaving Toyota but it's difficult to say and talk about it. A lot is up in the air."


Adrian Sutil, who carries the personal backing of the German electronics brand Medion, is confident of staying at Force India but has also been linked with a move elsewhere.

"It's still not confirmed," he said on Thursday. "It would be a good thing to do another season there. Both sides are interested."


Elsewhere on the grid, Nico Rosberg announced he is leaving Williams and is linked with Brawn and McLaren.

"There is no reason they (Williams) can't be as good next year as this year and remain close to the top, but I am not sure they can win races," he said.