Kimi Raikkonen may leave Formula One and a possible drive with Mercedes GP in order to compete in next year's World Rally Championship with Citroen.

The 2007 world champion is without a drive for next season after reaching a mutual agreement with Ferrari to end his contract a year early.

And although the Finn wanted to remain in Formula One, he stated rather specifically that he would only race for McLaren as he wouldn't join a team that could not guarantee him race wins and a shot at the world title.

Talks with McLaren broke down, resulting in the Woking outfit opting instead to sign Jenson Button, leaving Raikkonen without a F1 drive.

However, the Finn is reportedly on the verge of joining Citroen in the World Rally Championship, where he would compete in a C4 World Rally Car on all 13 rounds of the Championship.

According to the official WRC website, "nothing is signed yet, but a source close to the 2007 F1 World Champion told wrc.com that only small details needed to be tied-up before an official announcement is made in the coming days.

"The Finn's 2010 WRC programme is understood to have been funded by Red Bull, one of Raikkonen's personal sponsors, and a major backer of Citroen's World Rally campaign."

Should Raikkonen sign for Citroen, it would put an end to the slim chance that he could race for Mercedes GP next season.