Ferrari to dump Raikkonen

Ferrari are reportedly set to dump Kimi Raikkonen at the end of this season, offering the Finn a substantial pay-off to step aside for Fernando Alonso. Rumors of Raikkonen's pending dismissal began last season when poor results and what appeared to be a lack of motivation on the 2007 World Champion's behalf grabbed headlines.

The speculation grew this year as the Finn competed in his debut World Rally Championship event, even revealing that rallying could be his future line of work when his current Ferrari deal expires at the end of 2010.

According to The Sun, a Formula One insider has revealed that the Scuderia are intent on dumping Raikkonen, offering him a massive pay-off.

'They say the Italian giants have told the 2007 World Champion he can have half the value of his 2010 contract – thought to be worth £25million – to end it one year early,' the tabloid has reported.

Should Raikkonen part ways with Ferrari at the end of the season it would pave the way for Alonso's arrival with the double World Champion believed to already have a contract for 2011.