Nov.9 (GMM) As he prepares to commit for another year to world rallying, Kimi Raikkonen insists he does not regret his decision to leave formula one.

A year after leaving Ferrari to join Citroen in the world rally championship, the 2007 world champion was linked with a return to F1 with Renault.

With that move ruled out, however, reports suggest Raikkonen is recommitting to rallying for 2011, despite some critics suggesting he has crashed too much and not been fast enough.

"Rally is like a national sport in Finland," he is quoted by L'Equipe.

"I grew up following all the great drivers. I have always wanted to try this sport; it was not a rash decision.

"At the end of last year," Raikkonen explained, "I had an opportunity and seized it, and I have really enjoyed it.

"Few people have the chance to do rallying at this level and I want to put into practice everything I learned this year," he added.

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