Schumacher is going to government - FIA style. That is why he doesn't have much, if any, F1 duties at Ferrari.
Formula One 2010 driver line up
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Kimi Raikkonen is set for a bumper pay-off worth up to £15 million from Ferrari while his manager has suggested he might be open to offers from Brawn's new owners Mercedes.
Ferrari, who wanted to free up a spot for the incoming Fernando Alonso, will give their 2007 world champion £15m if he does not race for another team in the 2010 World Championship.
Should he accept an offer from a rival outfit that figure would fall to around £13m - but the wages he would pick up should more than cover the discrepancy.
Raikkonen had spoken of plans for a year-long sabbatical from Formula One after talks with former team McLaren reached an impasse, but less than 24 hours later manager Steve Robertson suggested he might be open to offers from Mercedes Grand Prix.
"This is Formula One," Robertson, who manages the Finn with his father David Robertson, told Autosport.
"If they can... convince us that they can provide Kimi with an opportunity that Kimi is happy with, and that we are happy with, and he feels he can win races and the championship then never say never.
"There is always a possibility."
Brawn won this year's drivers' and constructors' titles with Jenson Button, but the Briton has left to join compatriot Lewis Hamilton at McLaren.
The champions will compete as the Mercedes factory squad next season, with Nico Rosberg expected to be announced as part of their line-up and his fellow German Nick Heidfeld in the running to perhaps join him.
Robertson said Raikkonen's decision would not come down to money.
"There are not many teams that would appeal to Kimi because he is honest when he says he has got to have a car to win," he said. "He is not interested in the money.
"Of course, money is a part of it but he doesn't need the money. He wants a car where he can show his talent."
Any contract that Raikkonen does sign will have to include a clause allowing him to compete in rallying series.
He competed in his home event rally Finland in this year's World Rally Championship as well as non-championship events.
Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport
Should he accept an offer from a rival outfit that figure would fall to around £13m - but the wages he would pick up should more than cover the discrepancy.
Raikkonen had spoken of plans for a year-long sabbatical from Formula One after talks with former team McLaren reached an impasse, but less than 24 hours later manager Steve Robertson suggested he might be open to offers from Mercedes Grand Prix.
"This is Formula One," Robertson, who manages the Finn with his father David Robertson, told Autosport.
"If they can... convince us that they can provide Kimi with an opportunity that Kimi is happy with, and that we are happy with, and he feels he can win races and the championship then never say never.
"There is always a possibility."
Brawn won this year's drivers' and constructors' titles with Jenson Button, but the Briton has left to join compatriot Lewis Hamilton at McLaren.
The champions will compete as the Mercedes factory squad next season, with Nico Rosberg expected to be announced as part of their line-up and his fellow German Nick Heidfeld in the running to perhaps join him.
Robertson said Raikkonen's decision would not come down to money.
"There are not many teams that would appeal to Kimi because he is honest when he says he has got to have a car to win," he said. "He is not interested in the money.
"Of course, money is a part of it but he doesn't need the money. He wants a car where he can show his talent."
Any contract that Raikkonen does sign will have to include a clause allowing him to compete in rallying series.
He competed in his home event rally Finland in this year's World Rally Championship as well as non-championship events.
Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport
I had a lot of really spicy chili last night, along with copious amounts of beer. Later, in my chili induced dreams, I saw a Mercedes Brawn team with Raikkonen and Schumacher atop many podiums in 2010.
Must have been some good chili.
i think schumi could do it, he still looks to be in shape, probably gained weight tho. but my fav driver is alonso
Manor GP enter as Virgin Racing
The International Automobile Federation published the official entry list with 12 confirmed teams and lingering uncertainty over the entry previously held by Toyota.
"Toyota Motorsport GmbH remains formally bound by the Concorde Agreement to put forward a team for participation, though it has indicated that it will not be in a position to do so," the FIA said in a footnote.
"An announcement will be made regarding this entry in due course."
The former BMW-Sauber team, now handed back to founder Peter Sauber following the departure of BMW at the end of the 2009 season, are likely to take Toyota's place having been assured already that they are the official reserves.
"Regarding the slot on the grid I am very confident that we will be given a final confirmation very shortly," Sauber, whose team plan to use Ferrari engines, told the official Formula 1 website.
"Our 2010 car is perfectly on schedule. The development and fabrication have been unaffected by the situation," he added.
"Having been able to proceed with uninterrupted development was also possible thanks to excellent cooperation with Ferrari, who submitted all the relevant data very early. Regarding the performance of the C29 we are all very confident."
Richard Branson's Virgin Group sponsored championship-winning Brawn GP, who have since been taken over by Mercedes, this season.
Virgin have yet to formally confirm their involvement with British-based Manor, one of four new teams due to make their debuts on the starting grid. Manor have signed German driver Timo Glock.
The other newcomers are US F1, Campos Meta 1 and Malaysian-backed Lotus F1 Racing.
Red Bull, championship runners-up this year, confirmed they will continue with Renault engines after considering other options.
Britain's world champion Jenson Button will have the number one on his car at McLaren with new team mate, compatriot and 2008 champion Lewis Hamilton competing as number two. Button won the title with Brawn.
Reuters
The International Automobile Federation published the official entry list with 12 confirmed teams and lingering uncertainty over the entry previously held by Toyota.
"Toyota Motorsport GmbH remains formally bound by the Concorde Agreement to put forward a team for participation, though it has indicated that it will not be in a position to do so," the FIA said in a footnote.
"An announcement will be made regarding this entry in due course."
The former BMW-Sauber team, now handed back to founder Peter Sauber following the departure of BMW at the end of the 2009 season, are likely to take Toyota's place having been assured already that they are the official reserves.
"Regarding the slot on the grid I am very confident that we will be given a final confirmation very shortly," Sauber, whose team plan to use Ferrari engines, told the official Formula 1 website.
"Our 2010 car is perfectly on schedule. The development and fabrication have been unaffected by the situation," he added.
"Having been able to proceed with uninterrupted development was also possible thanks to excellent cooperation with Ferrari, who submitted all the relevant data very early. Regarding the performance of the C29 we are all very confident."
Richard Branson's Virgin Group sponsored championship-winning Brawn GP, who have since been taken over by Mercedes, this season.
Virgin have yet to formally confirm their involvement with British-based Manor, one of four new teams due to make their debuts on the starting grid. Manor have signed German driver Timo Glock.
The other newcomers are US F1, Campos Meta 1 and Malaysian-backed Lotus F1 Racing.
Red Bull, championship runners-up this year, confirmed they will continue with Renault engines after considering other options.
Britain's world champion Jenson Button will have the number one on his car at McLaren with new team mate, compatriot and 2008 champion Lewis Hamilton competing as number two. Button won the title with Brawn.
Reuters
Hulkenberg to test in Spain
Germany's Nico Hulkenberg will stand out in Formula One testing in southern Spain this week as the only driver present with a confirmed place on next year's starting grid.
Germany's Nico Hulkenberg will stand out in Formula One testing in southern Spain this week as the only driver present with a confirmed place on next year's starting grid.
Theissen follows BMW out of F1
Former BMW-Sauber team principal Mario Theissen has left Formula One following the carmaker's withdrawal and will continue as BMW motorsport director.
Former BMW-Sauber team principal Mario Theissen has left Formula One following the carmaker's withdrawal and will continue as BMW motorsport director.
Ferrari snap-up prospect Bianchi
Ferrari have signed a multi-year deal with French youngster Jules Bianchi, a spokesman for the Formula One team said.
Ferrari have signed a multi-year deal with French youngster Jules Bianchi, a spokesman for the Formula One team said.
Swiss-based Sauber will take departed Toyota's place as Formula One's 13th team next season.
"The FIA has written to inform BMW Sauber AG that their application for an entry in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship has been successful," the FIA said.
"Subject to their signing the Concorde Agreement, BMW Sauber will be awarded the 13th entry in the Championship, taking the place of the departing Toyota team."
Reuters
"The FIA has written to inform BMW Sauber AG that their application for an entry in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship has been successful," the FIA said.
"Subject to their signing the Concorde Agreement, BMW Sauber will be awarded the 13th entry in the Championship, taking the place of the departing Toyota team."
Reuters
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