Kimi Raikkonen returns to F1 with Lotus Renault

Kimi Raikkonen

The Finnish driver, who walked away from Formula One at the end of the 2009 season in order to compete in the World Rally   Championship for two years, won the world title in 2007 while driving for Ferrari.

Lotus Renault GP looked set to announce another driver after Robert Kubica anounced that he was unlikely to return next season as he continues his recovery from a near-fatal rallying accident in February.

Thrilled to be back on the scene, Raikkonen said: “I’m delighted to be coming back to F1 after a two-year break, and I’m grateful to Lotus Renault GP for offering me this opportunity

“My time in the World Rally Championship has been a useful stage in my career as a driver, but I can’t deny the fact that my hunger for F1 has recently become overwhelming.

“It was an easy choice to return with Lotus Renault GP as I have been impressed by the scope of the team’s ambition. Now I’m looking forward to playing an important role in pushing the team to the very front of the grid.”

Well there will be a lot of hard work ahead for the Finn as Renault and Lotus failed to impress in either 2010 or 2011, but the combining of the two should have a positive outcome.  — Staff reporter, SportsCentral

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