The current world champion, Kimi Raikkonen, is rumoured to be quitting formula 1 in 2009 when his current contract with Ferrari expires.

Sources close to Raikkonen have been saying that the champion no longer has the passion to fulfill his commitments off track and therefore will not be renewing his contract after 2009.

Are we to believe that Kimi has gone as far as he can? I think not. Unfortunately for Kimi there would not be many options open to him for a career beyond an F1 driver. Fair enough, his money has been made he doesn't need to work to pay the bills, but for someone who has a strict regime day in day out, how easy will it be to slip into a life with no goals and no purpose.

I don't think we are seeing the last races from the Finn just yet, maybe the prospect of Fernando Alonso as a team mate is not ideal in his eyes and maybe therefore a change is on the cards, and that change? BMW Sauber.

As I understand it, Kimi would relish the chance to prove he is the best driver and going back to his roots would be the ideal option for him. BMW Sauber have proved this year that they are fast becoming strong title contenders in the making but for that they need a world class driver, enter Kimi, the Finn would love the chance to return to BMW Sauber. Whilst driving for Ferrari is a dream for any driver, it is now a dream that Raikkonen has lived and for a man that hurtles round a track at 200mph for a living the challenges and goals need to be there.

Kimi know he can drive a Ferrari to another 5 world championships, but where's the challenge in that. He is no different from any Joe Bloggs, he want to feel pushed to the limit, he needs new goals to stay interested and driving for BMW Sauber would give him that.

So will the Finn be retiring? I think not.