NOVEMBER 10, 2000

Raikkonen's Sauber move held up by red tape

FINN Kimi Raikkonen's proposed move to Sauber is being held up by his application for a super licence to drive in Formula One.

Raikkonen, 21, is the British Formula Renault champion but he has completed just 23 races and that does not qualify him for the compulsory super licence that all Grand Prix drivers have.

Formula One's governing body, the FIA, will meet next month to decide if Raikkonen's application for a super licence has been successful and it will not be an easy decision.

Raikkonen has tested twice for Sauber and posted impressive times. This could boost his chances of getting a positive verdict from the FIA.

Sauber have already appointed one young driver, 23-year-old Nick Heidfeld, for next season and the Swiss team's owner Peter Sauber has made it clear that he wants Raikkonen to join the Hinwil-based outfit.

Sauber said: "We would like Kimi Raikkonen to drive our second car next to Nick Heidfeld. When we get the confirmation of the super licence by the FIA, the public and media will be informed accordingly."