Marchionne: 'Raikkonen misconduct allegations won't affect contract'

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Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne has defended Kimi Raikkonen, insisting allegations of sexual misconduct by the Finn will have no bearing on his contract with the Scuderia.

The 2007 world champion filed a complaint with the police in Montreal, claiming he is being harassed and threatened with blackmail by a Canadian woman alleging Raikkonen groped her in a bar where she was working as a waitress.

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According to Autosport, the Ferrari drivers' legal team received a letter last month indicating that the woman would go public with the accusations unless she received a heft compensation to quietly settle the matter.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Marchionne said the Finnish driver "is not involved in the least" in the case.

"Kimi has nothing to do with this story," he said.

"As to how it will affect his contract, then in any case they are two completely unrelated things," Marchionne added, amid rumours Raikkonen could switch from Ferrari to world rally for 2019.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.