Kimi: I didn't want a Rubens like role at Ferrari.

Rookie sensation Kimi Raikkonen has revealed that he rejected an offer to join Ferrari as he didn't want to play second fiddle to Michael Schumacher.

Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson told British newspaper The Sunday Mirror: "Opting for McLaren was 100 per cent the right move for Kimi. McLaren's record speaks for itself and they give their drivers equal equipment."

"Everybody knows the situation at Ferrari. While Michael is there, it is going to be a difficult place for any other driver to go to. We've seen what it's been like for Rubens Barrichello. He has to accept Michael as number one. Kimi didn't want that kind of role."

"Kimi wants to be the youngest-ever world champion and he has three years to do it. He is confident he can with McLaren."

Robertson continued: "Kimi knows what he has to do [in 2002]. Every driver is judged against his team-mate and Kimi understands that he has an outstanding team-mate in David Coulthard."

"Kimi hopes to win races next year and take it on from there. He truly believes he can become F1's youngest champion."