'Inexperienced' Raikkonen to miss out.

Sauber may yet have to find a second driver for 2001, as its protege Kimi Raikkonen looks likely to be denied a superlicence.

The Finn, who romped to victory in the British Formula Renault series this year, does not fulfil the FIA's criteria of having performed in any of the more senior categories - F3, F3000, CART - before graduating to grands prix, and is thought to be too inexperienced to be granted the necessary licence to take part.

Raikkonen has performed admirably in testing with Sauber this year, out-pacing regular test driver Enrique Bernoldi on the way, but this is not thought to be enough to convince the governing body of his talent and ability.

Before the latest hitch, Raikkonen looked set to follow Jos Verstappen, Jarno Trulli and Jenson Button in making a quick flight up the racing ladder. Each of his predecessors, however, raced in F3, with Trulli taking the German title before signing with Minardi in F1. Button, the latest graduate, finished third in the British series in 1999, and took second place in each of the Far East events at the end of the year, to convince the rulemakers that he was ready for F1. Substantial mileage also helped the Briton, who also did not entirely fulfil the requirements, as he had not won the title.

Should he be refused his licence, Raikkonen would face the choice of competing in either F3 or F3000 next year, while adding to his testing experience. He is understood to have been offered a drive in the British F3 series by champion team Manor Motorsport - with which he took the FRenault title - and also has the option of a run with Stewart Racing. Sauber's affiliate, the Red Bull Junior Team, looks his most likely destination should he opt for F3000 instead.

The Swiss team will also face a difficult task should Raikkonen be struck off its wish list. With Pedro Diniz likely to head for Prost next year - Fernando Alonso permitting - Sauber has no immediate successor lined up to partner Nick Heidfeld in 2001. Bernoldi remains in the frame, despite already apparently being overlooked, while Verstappen and Marc Gene have also been mentioned in connection with a seat. Alonso, should he become a Ferrari driver, may also be an attractive proposition to the Maranello-engined Sauber squad.

The FIA is expected to rule on Raikkonen's F1 participation early next month.