Grapevine: Raikkonen Knocks Down Ferrari Rumours

Finnish Formula One newcomer Kimi Raikkonen on Friday denied reports linking him to a drive with Ferrari.

"I don't know anything about these rumours," said the 21-year-old Sauber driver at a news conference. "We haven't talked to Ferrari. My contract is for three years with Sauber. After that we can look at something else, but until then only Sauber."

Sauber are powered by Ferrari engines and reports in the Italian press have questioned whether Brazilian Rubens Barrichello will remain with the team next season. His contract expires at the end of 2001.

Raikkonen has made an immediate impression in Formula One, answering the critics who suggested he did not belong there after just 23 single seater car races to his credit. The Finn literally made his point by finishing sixth in his first Grand Prix in Australia.

Barrichello, third in the championship after five races, has meanwhile been under fire for his involvement in several incidents with other drivers. But he denied on Friday that he felt insecure.

"The truth is that there are people who are talking so much because they have nothing to say and so make things up," Barrichello was quoted as saying in the Gazzetta dello Sport. "I get on with everyone at Ferrari, my situation has always been very open, clear and calm.

"I don't think that there is a driver able to do better than me at the moment, (Ferrari's sporting director) Jean Todt has said he is very happy with what I have done," he added.