Illness has forced Kimi Raikkonen to miss Formula One’s first day back following its summer break.

JENSON BUTTON is relishing the prospect of embarking on a fresh challenge after being signed by McLaren to partner fellow world champion Lewis Hamilton in a stellar all-British line-up.

Kimi Raikkonen’s manager claims the Finn was McLaren’s first choice to be paired alongside Lewis Hamilton at McLaren next season – but failure to agree terms on a deal paved the way for reigning champion Jenson Button to get the nod.

Kimi Raikkonen will take a sabbatical from Formula One next year after talks over a return to McLaren broke down, his manager has revealed in a newspaper interview.

Sauber have rejected claims that Kimi Raikkonen is being lined-up to replace Rubens Barrichello at Ferrari.