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Kimi Raikkonen has ruled out making a return to Formula 1 with Renault next year, despite being linked with the team for several weeks.

The Finn had been in contact with the French car manufacturer after the Belgian Grand Prix in August, and Renault chiefs were considering putting a deal together with the former champion if he could prove he was motivated for a comeback.

However, even before talks between the two parties got serious, Raikkonen has made it clear he is not interested in what Renault has to offer - and has expressed some unhappiness that the team has talked up its link with him.

Speaking to Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat, Raikkonen said: "I am very disappointed with how they have used my name for their own marketing. I have never even seriously considered driving for Renault, and I can assure you that I am 100 per cent sure that I will not drive for Renault next season."

Only this week, Renault team principal Eric Boullier said his outfit had been encouraged by the fact that Raikkonen had been in touch with it.

When asked by the official Formula 1 website if it was flattering that Raikkonen had been in contact, Boullier: "Yes, it is because it shows that the work we've done this season is noticed and that we are considered a challenger for the championship in the future."

Raikkonen's decision not to pursue the Renault option now makes it almost certain that Vitaly Petrov will be retained by the team - although the Russian still needs to show improved form to guarantee his slot with the outfit.