Raikkonen open to Mercedes offers

Kimi Raikkonen's plans for a one year sabbatical from Formula One lasted less than 24 hours before his manager suggested that he might be open to offers from Brawn's new owners Mercedes.

Steve Robertson told the autosport.com website yesterday that the Finn, who failed to reach a deal with McLaren after leaving Ferrari, was not 100 per cent certain to be absent next year.

"This is Formula One," said the Briton, who manages the 2007 world champion with his father David.

"If they can offer, or convince us, that they can provide Kimi an opportunity that Kimi is happy with, and that we are happy with, and he feels he can win races and the championship, then never say never."

Brawn won both titles this year with Britain's Jenson Button, who has now departed to McLaren. The champions will compete as Mercedes next season, with Germany's Nico Rosberg expected to be one of their drivers.

Robertson said Raikkonen's position was not all about money.

"There are not many teams that would appeal to Kimi because he is honest when he says he has got to have a car to win.

"Of course, money is a part of it but he doesn't need the money."

David Robertson said on Wednesday that McLaren could not afford Raikkonen and the driver was going to go rallying instead before aiming for a return to Formula One in 2011.