Lotus Not Allowing Raikkonen to Race in Rally Finland

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F1 Team is not allowing Kimi Raikkonen to participate in the Rally Finland on August 2-4. Raikkonen raced in the WRC in 2010 and 2011 and returned to Formula 1 for the 2012 season. 

“I knew rallying was tough as I'd done some events before but it's different at the highest level. I knew it wouldn't be easy. Of course, I wanted to do better. But I'm not finished. I want to go back, whether for my career or after I don't know. I'd like to do Rally Finland this season as it fits with the calendar but you'll have to ask the team if it fits in my contract," said Raikkonen.

Contractually, Raikkonen is not allowed to participate. That makes sense given the accident Robert Kubica suffered just before the 2011 season. Kubica was competing in a rally and was injured so badly that he has not been able to return for Formula 1. Despite Raikkonen's rally experience, the team still sees it as dangerous to let him rally in the middle of the Formula 1 season.

According to the Lotus team contract, drivers can not take part in any dangerous activity during the Formula 1 season. That includes not only something like rallying but also even skiing.

Source: Crash