Dubai: Formula One fans hoping for Kimi Raikkonen have been left disappointed after his manger ruled out a comeback for the Finn.
It had been rumoured that the star, who currently competes in the World Rally Championship with Citroen, would return next year to the sport and had been holding talks with the Renault Formula One team.
However, when asked whether the former world champion had permanently shelved plans to return to F1, Steve Robertson, Raikkonen's manager, said on Finnish television channel MTV3: "Never say never, but right now our eye is not on F1. We are no longer looking out for opportunities for Formula One. Kimi seems to be focused on rallying at the moment."
It is unsure whether Raikkonen will continue with the Citroen Junior Team in 2011.
"We are having discussions with several different teams and I cannot say more," added Robertson.
"Nothing's been decided yet. We'll let you know when there is something to say. At the moment nothing has been signed. We're talking to several teams."
Meanwhile, Mark Webber has said he is hoping Brazil will provide him with the opportunity to get his Formula One title back on track this weekend.
The Australian claimed the second grand prix win of his career at the Interlagos circuit in 2009.
"Brazil is one of the best tracks of the year in terms of the atmosphere. I obviously have good memories from there from last year, it was a nice race to win and we will clearly be trying to get another victory this year. It's now coming to a pivotal stage of the championship and we need to make the most of every opportunity we can," he said.
Meanwhile, Webber's teammate Sebastien Vettel tried to dampen expectation that the RB6 Renault would be well suited to the circuit.
Challenging track
"The Interlagos track is a challenging one for the drivers because it's anti-clockwise which, after a season of racing on clockwise circuits, puts a strain on your neck muscles," Vettel said.
"The circuit requires good aero-efficiency which should suit the RB6 although the long, uphill start-finish straight will give an advantage to the more powerful engines."
