24/07/2008 9:59:27 AM
Reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen has insisted he will see out his Ferrari contract.
Speculation is rife Raikkonen is poised to quit Formula One at the end of the season amid claims he has become bored with the sport and is eager to seek new challenges.
But the 28-year-old has revealed he is unwilling to walk out on the team in the middle of a deal that runs until the end of next year.
Beyond 2009 however is another matter, despite the fact he earns a princely 20 million pounds ($41.6 million) per season.
"I'm not in a hurry to decide what I am going to do in the future," said Raikkonen, speaking to Spanish daily El Mundo.
"I have a year left on my contract that I want to fulfil. Later, in 2010, I do not know if I will be in F1. We will see."
"It is not an easy decision. I have to evaluate many things, and I am not going to give any explanation to anybody."
"I will make my decision when I am ready. Ferrari are not pushing me on this."
Raikkonen does not fear being bored should he quit, adding: "No, I'm calm."
"There are many things to do outside Formula One. I will find ways to amuse myself so I do not see any problem in using my free time."
Raikkonen concedes he is certainly happy at Ferrari, even if the team is currently in the middle of a slump and he has failed to win any of the last six grands prix.
"I enjoy it more here than anywhere before," remarked Raikkonen, who started with Sauber before moving on to McLaren.
"Each team is different - Sauber to McLaren, McLaren to Ferrari."
"They are different teams from different countries. If you went from one English team to another you would not appreciate the difference as much."
"But when you change countries, you do. They have different ways of working."
"I enjoy it at Ferrari. The people are pleasant, the atmosphere is fantastic and they take care of you."
"They give me my freedom, and that is one of the main reasons why I left McLaren. Here, they allow me to live my own life."
"They are also relaxed and optimistic. They always attempt to see the positive side of things."