When you’re an ex-F1 world champion and are forced to take a year off, then what better way to spend it than as team mate to Sébastien Loeb in a WRC Citroën C4.
Red Bull, which has been a long-time sponsor of Kimi Räikkönen, has partnered with Citroën to run two C4 WRCs in 2010 driven by Kimi and Sébastien Ogier in the colours of Red Bull and Citroën.
Finland’s Kimi Räikkönen, 30, who has won 18 Formula 1 Grands Prix, claimed the Formula 1 world crown in 2007, and contested several rallies in 2009 – including his home round of the WRC – said: “I always wanted to compete in rally, especially in the World Rally Championship at some point in my career. Thanks to Red Bull, I have the opportunity to drive the best car of the series with the Citroën C4. This is a new but very exciting challenge. For the moment we have a one-year contract and we will see how it goes for the future. I am really looking forward to testing the car and taking the start of the first rally.”
In case you forget how fortunate Kimi is, this is a sabbatical year for the ex-champion with Ferrari reputed to be paying him £17m ‘not’ to drive in F1. But rather than put his feet up, he gets to race a full season in WRC in the champion winning team.
Lucky? Well I certainly wouldn’t write off his chances for a few wins in 2010.
Written By

Steve Davies
Steve is an investor, private equity advisor and former Partner at KPMG, PwC and Bain. Most importantly he's a life-long car enthusiast, mountain biker and active sports enthusiast. He designs and builds technology platforms and is the architect behind Transmission.
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still being paid! thats ridiculous!
still being paid! thats ridiculous!
This has completely refreshed my interest and respect for Kimmi; He is clearly super quick and a real racing talent, and this just goes to prove this as there are not many track drivers that can make the transition to rally.
Kimmi, keep on adding those bows to your hat…
This has completely refreshed my interest and respect for Kimmi; He is clearly super quick and a real racing talent, and this just goes to prove this as there are not many track drivers that can make the transition to rally.
Kimmi, keep on adding those bows to your hat…