There are reports in the German media claiming that in the wake of Fernando Alonso's shock signing to McLaren, for 2007, Toyota is preparing a £275m bid for World Championship runner-up, Kimi Raikkonen.

For some time there have been suggestions that the Finn has already signed a preliminary contract with Ferrari, in anticipation of Michael Schumacher retiring at the end of 2006. However, both Ferrari and Raikkonen have denied this.

Toyota is on the ascendant, having finished fourth in the 2005 Constructors' Championship, and 2007 might be just the right time to bring a driver of Raikkonen's calibre on board.

A Toyota bid also makes sense in light of claims that Ferrari's budget is already stretched, a fact not helped by the loss of Vodafone to McLaren.

Bild quotes Hans Joachim Stuck as saying: "Raikkonen moving to Toyota makes sense. The Japanese team wants to challenge for the World Championship, and therefore must strive to get hold of the Finn."

"Raikkonen is free to choose the team he wishes to join in 2007," added former World Champion, Niki Lauda. "He is in such demand that teams will work hard to make the money available."

It's not altogether impossible that Raikkonen could opt to partner Michael Schumacher, should the German opt to remain in F1 after 2006. However, the thought of him joining Toyota is a fascinating prospect.