Merc makes $64m push to keep Kimi

UPDATE (GMM) It is an 'open secret' in the formula one paddock that Kimi Raikkonen has now signed a multiple year contract to drive for Ferrari from 2007, Niki Lauda stated in Istanbul.

But Mercedes' Norbert Haug said, according to 'sid': ''Kimi told me here (in Turkey) that he has not signed for anyone.''

08/16/06 (GMM) Despite speculation that his Ferrari deal is now all but official, new reports indicate that Kimi Raikkonen's future on the formula one grid beyond 2006 is not yet settled.

An article in Germany's major daily newspaper 'Bild' on Wednesday will write that, as part of the speculated buyout of McLaren, carmaker Mercedes-Benz is making a final push to retain the 26-year-old Finn.

The report refers to a supposed two-year, (US) $64 million offer for Raikkonen, who has also been linked with a move to current championship-leading team Renault.

Regarding the rumored Mercedes-Benz buyout of McLaren, meanwhile, Bild cited the information of a Mercedes spokesman in claiming that 'it is conceivable' that Ron Dennis would be left at the helm.

Earlier reports suggested that Mercedes' competition director Norbert Haug might assume the top job.