Kimi Raikkonen may make F1 return with Renault
Speculation is mounting that Finland’s Kimi Raikkonen may make a return to Formula One next season with Renault. According to AutoSport.com, the 2007 world champion may leave the World Rally Championship next season to make a dramatic comeback to F1.
Nicknamed “the fastest driver on the planet,” Raikkonen has tremendous credentials and experience, having raced for Sauber and Mercedes. The superstar finished as a runner-up in 2003 and 2005, then claimed victory in 2007. Raikkonen then left F1 in 2009 to race for the Citroen Junior Team at the World Rally Championship.
Impressed by Renault’s excellent form at the Belgian Grand Prix, Raikkonen’s management have expressed interest in a deal, but Renault have yet to answer the call. Though Polish talent Robert Kubica is confirmed as being signed for next year, team-mate Vitaly Petrov of Russia is at risk for losing his position in the team.
Yet Renault team manager Eric Boullier is standing by Petrov thus far, on the condition that the 26-year-old will improve his racing and avoid making errors such as the spin in Spa and the qualifying session in Monza where he blocked Timo Glock. “It is still very complicated for him to have a complete weekend and be faultless, and that is where he needs to work and focus on, and develop clearly his commitment and dedication,” says Boullier.
When posed with the prospect of signing Raikkonen, Boullier remains objective. “It is true that the summer has passed and we have had more and more requests - and the guy you mentioned [Raikkonen] is on the radar now. He is on the radar because he contacted us.”
If Renault were to take on Raikkonen, Boullier acknowledges that the strategy would change for the team. Even a world class competitor such as Raikkonen could post more difficulty for Boullier, who argues that, “It will cost me more if he is world champion than if he is not. You work differently if you have a rookie - and in supporting him - than if you have two experienced drivers. So it is different.”
He adds, “We need to think about it. But the priority is Vitaly, and to see how he will develop. If we are convinced then we will keep him definitely. This is the first option. But there are several other options, and one of them is Kimi.”
Boullier is hoping to reach a decision regarding the 2011 line-up by the end of the season, and Renault fans will be watching Petrov’s progress carefully – either cheering for the rookie to stay on, or welcoming the return of an F1 legend.
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