Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

F1: Ford rally boss offers Kimi Raikkonen test

|
Obtain the best financial rate for your car loan at Automobile En DirectTecnic
Khatir Soltani
From GMM

Ford World Rally Team boss Malcolm Wilson has offered reigning formula one champion Kimi Raikkonen a test in one of the squad's Ford Focus cars.

The Ford Focus RS World Rally Car in action.
Raikkonen, the Ferrari driver whose contract expires at the end of next year, said recently he would be interested in trying rallying once his F1 career is over.

Eurosport quotes Wilson "I'd offer him a test," as saying. "It'd be a great opportunity for us."

Reigning World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb is also open to the idea of Raikkonen, embroiled in speculation about his future beyond 2009, switching codes.

"I would welcome (him) because it's good to have big names coming into rallying," he said.

Frenchman Loeb predicts it would be difficult for the Finn to turn his hand to rallying, given its fundamental differences to circuit racing.

"But with the talent he has and with some practice he will adapt and find the feeling," the 34-year-old explained.

Reports indicate that Ferrari parent company Fiat's rallying effort, the Abarth team, intends to move from the Intercontinental Rally Challenge to World Rally in 2010.

They would reportedly be thrilled at the prospect of having Raikkonen on board.
photo:Ford Rally Team
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 8 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada