Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar says Kimi Raikkonen is very motivated – Formula 1 news
Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar says that he has no doubt over Kimi Raikkonen’s motivation.
Bahar who has worked with the Finn at Ferrari previously was adamant that there will not be any motivational issues and said that he is a dedicated and determined driver who is very result oriented.
He said that after a two-year banishment, Raikkonen has decided to take up the challenge of a comeback and that move proves that he is very motivated. The former world champion’s return to Formula 1 had been speculated for quite some time but nothing was
being finalised.
Lotus though finally lured him into a comeback and now critics are worried that Raikkonen might not have the same motivation.
Bahar also believes Raikkonen’s addition is very good news for the Lotus brand as it prepares to take over full naming rights of the team.
“I fully expect that he will take his commitment to the team very seriously and will do everything he can to bring in points. From what I know of Kimi from previous experience, he is a dedicated and determined driver and he wants results,” Bahar added. “He
hasn't taken the decision to return to F1 lightly - he wants to fight to be at front.
“Kimi will be a great ambassador for our brand,” said Bahar. “His fighting spirit and pure competitive nature make him a good match.”
Raikkonen will be integral for the growth of Team Lotus as he has a lot of fan base all around the globe and that means a lot more sponsors would be lining up. The experience of the Finn will also be important to build a much-improved car capable of competing
with the leaders of the grid.
He also mentioned that with the addition of Raikkonen, Lotus will get an impetus to the team and the whole team is hoping to work hard towards a better standing in 2012.
There is no doubt over the potential of Raikkonen but whether the two-year gap has made him rusty or not remains to be seen.
Also, it would make for an exciting viewing having six world champions competing against each other in the 2012 Formula 1 season.
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