Friday 22 January at 10:01 : Jan.22 (GMM) Kimi Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson has confirmed reports the 2007 world champion will decide in the middle of this year whether to return to F1 in 2011.

"Kimi has made it clear that he only wants to go back to formula one if he can drive a car that fights for wins and the championship," the Briton told Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper.

"The best places in the driver market are allocated in the mid-season," Robertson added.

30-year-old Raikkonen agreed to vacate his Ferrari for Fernando Alonso this year and subsequently turned down an offer from McLaren in order to make his full time debut in the 2010 World Rally Championship.

Said Robertson: "At this stage it is impossible to know which direction Kimi will go in (for 2011). It is clear that at the moment he is focused on his rally career."

It is rumoured that Red Bull, who are paying for Raikkonen's Citroen seat this year, could offer the Finn a seat alongside Sebastian Vettel in 2011.

The winner of 18 grands prix told Italy's Autosprint magazine: "I spent nine years of my life in F1 and I have excellent memories.

"I will take a decision regarding my future in the mid-season -- whether I stay with the rallies or switch back to F1."