Toyota has made an offer for Räikkönen

Kimi Räikkönen has been given an offer from Toyota for the 2010 season, and the team’s president, John Howett, believes the Finn could well join the Japanese team: “We are not playing too high,” Howett told Reuters. “We have put on the table what we could and what we believe is a serious offer in the current market. I think we could really work well with him, provide him with a fast car.”

He added: « We have had very good relations with Scandinavian drivers in the past, we know how to welcome him to the team. »

Räikkönen has not yet decided on his future after agreeing to leave the Ferrari team a year before the end of his contract to make way for Fernando Alonso. The Finn has made it clear that he is interested in staying in Formula 1 on one condition: being able to fight for victories right from the start of the season.

Howett, who had insisted that it was very unlikely that Jarno Trulli would remain with the team next year, still made him an offer. He also stated that the team is still in talks with Timo Glock.

« With our two drivers, we always maintain a certain level of discussion, » said Howett. « We have put an offer on the table with Jarno. I think he is not unhappy with the financial offer and some questions about the contract. I don’t think he’s in a position to negotiate. He may be in the car next year, but for now, it’s not clear at all. »