Raikkonen's manager says the Finn will take a sabbatical in 2010

After being bought out a year early from his contract with the Scuderia Ferrari, Kimi Raikkonen will reportedly be taking a sabbatical from Formula One the upcoming season. His manager Steve Robertson has shared this with a Finnish newspaper, although Raikkonen himself has yet to make the decision official.

"The options in F1 were with McLaren next season or not at all. Kimi and McLaren were unable to reach an agreement, so he will not drive at the F1 level - at least not next year," Robertson told Finlands 'Turun Sanomat'.

"A gap year means nothing for Kimi. He is more interested in fighting for wins and the world championship. F1 will miss Kimi. He worked hard over the summer - doing things in a Ferrari that only the best drivers are capable of."

What the 2007 World Champion will do in his year off is still unclear, although more entries in rally events may be in the works.