Ogier expects Räikkönen to prove his ability in rally

A confirmation of Kimi Räikkönen continuing in WRC in 2011 can be expected in mid-january. This year the Finnish driver does not start his season in Tunturi-ralli nor does he start it in Monte Carlo either, he will start directly from the opening rally in Sweden, 10-13. February.

The contract has not yet been made. Räikkönen's family has been hit by a hard sorrow after Matti Räikkönen passed away in a sudden illness attack just before Christmas. Last year Raikkonen drove in Citroen team mostly as Sebastien Ogier's team mate.

Ogier sees Räikkönen continuing his rally career as a very logical solution.

- If Kimi wants to prove his abilities in rally also, then he must continue in WRC. One can't draw any conclusions based on only one year in rallying, Ogier pointed out.

Ogier was very supportive of Räikkönen's difficulties during his debut season.

- It would be difficult for any top driver to jump right into the WRC-serie without any rallying experience. The competitive level of the serie is very hard. Of course Kimi made a bunch of mistakes but I remember myself making big mistakes during my first season - although I however was born as a rally driver.

- It will be good for Kimi to continue in the WRC-serie so that he is able to gather more better results as his experience grows, Ogier says.

The French driver himself puts down the expectations his supporters have of him fighting for the championship during this year.

- My long-term goal is to win the championship. There is no rush yet.This year I would like to develop into an even better rally driver and of course collect better results. Loeb is the toughest possible teammate whom everyone wants to win - just like I do too, Ogier said.

Last year Dani Sordo was ranked before Räikkönen and he has now switched from Citroen to Prodrive and will drive a Mini together with Kris Meeke.

Petter Solberg who drove an even stronger season than Sordo, his rallying career is ending. The Norwegian's situation describes in a harsh way today's situation in rally series when there no longer is a car to be found for a world champion.

Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole