Zoom Raikkonen raced with McLaren between 2002 and 2006

The rumour mill remains in full swing despite heading into the off-season and the next driver that could hold the key for those still jostling for position, is Kimi Raikkonen.

Raikkonen, who agreed not to race with Ferrari next season to allow Fernando Alonso to join the team, previously declared that the only team that he would realistically consider for next season is McLaren Mercedes.

ITV-F1 have reported that Steve and David Robertson, the duo that manage the 2007 world champion, visited McLaren’s Woking facility on Wednesday as a guest of team principal Martin Whitmarsh. This will undoubtedly further fuel rumours that a deal with the team is all but complete. McLaren has refused to deny the story.

Lewis Hamilton is under contract to the end of the 2012 season, while Heikki Kovalainen has been linked to a move elsewhere, but could still retain the seat should the team not conclude a deal with Raikkonen, Jenson Button or Nick Heidfeld.

Earl ALEXANDER
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