Kimi Räikkönen crashed out of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after a calamitous few days that saw him threaten to go on strike before he was excluded from qualifying over a technical fault and forced to start the race from the back of the grid.
Once he did start he collided with a Caterham car and broke his vehicle’s suspension. That was the end of his race.
Reports in the autosport.com website suggest that he may have won a significant victory, however, with the resolution of his salary dispute. Räikkönen and his management had earlier announced to the press that he had not been paid a penny this year and would not compete in the final two races of the season if he was not paid the wages he is owed.
His stance brought supportive statements from Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone and Canadian racer Jacques Villeneuve—but no immediate payments from Lotus.
The Autosport website reports, however, that intensive negotiations between his management and Lotus owner Gerard Lopez brought about a provisional agreement that should see the Finn race for Lotus in Brazil and the US to see out the season.
He has already agreed a contract with Ferrari for next season.
Autosport: Kimi Räikkönen to see out 2013 F1 season with Lotus as row settled
