Formula One news

Räikkönen: Three fantastic years

Kimi Räikkönen has thanked the team that took him to his first and so far only Drivers' World Championship title in 2007. Wednesday's news that Fernando Alonso will be joining the team to partner Felipe Massa brings an end to the Finn's association with the legendary marque one year early.

Räikkönen had been contractually bound to continue until the end of next season although the two parties agreed that the deal would be shortened, with Ferrari paying the additional year's salary.

Kimi clinched the 2007 Drivers' title in Brazil

"With common consent, we have agreed to terminate the contract binding me to Ferrari to the end of 2010, one year ahead of schedule," Räikkönen explained. "I am very sad to be leaving a team with which I have spent three fantastic years, during which time I won plenty of races.

"Together, we have won 50% of the world titles in that period and I managed to take the Drivers' title in 2007, thus achieving the target I had set myself at the start of my career. I have always felt at home with everyone here and I will have many happy memories of my time with the team."

"We wish to thank Kimi for everything he has done during his time with Ferrari," added Ferrari Team Principal Stefano Domenicali. "In his first year with us, he managed to win the Drivers' title, thus making his contribution to Ferrari's history and he played a vital role in our taking of the Constructors' title in 2007 and 2008."

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