Formula One welcomes possible Raikkonen return

By Elmar Dreher Nov 12, 2011, 10:36 GMT

Abu Dhabi - The Formula One focus shifts towards 2012 as the current season is decided, and a seemingly imminant return of former world champion Kimi Raikkonen is the hottest issue in the paddock.

Raikkonen, 32, confirmed last week he was in talks with the Williams team to end a two-year absence in the sport since his retirement in 2009.

The 'Iceman' appears to be welcomed back with open arms and would raise the list of world champions in the sport to six, joining holder Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and record champ Michael Schumacher.

'I would be happy if he returns,' said Schumacher, who himself came out of retirement in 2010 to drive for Mercedes.

The Finn Raikkonen has been engaged in rally sport since leaving F1 and was competing at the season-ending event in Britain on the weekend while his return was discussed at the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix.

Raikkonen had quite a reputation as a party animal during his F1 days while being more or less tight-lipped when it came to racing.

His F1 career started 2001 at the Sauber team before he moved on to McLaren-Mercedes 2002-2006. He spent the final three years at Ferrari, highlighted by the 2007 world title. Raikkonen stands at 156 races of which he won 18.

The team principals of Ferrari and McLaren, Stefano Domenicali and Martin Whitmarsh, are among those who would welcome him back in the sport.

'Give it a try and sign him,' Whitmarsh said in the direction of Frank Williams. 'I hope that Kimi is still hungry. His comeback would be great for Formula One.'

Domenicali said: 'He is very talented, very strong, and if he returns he will want to show that he is still among the best.'

Frank Williams himself asked for understanding that he won't comment on the speculation which includes that Raikkonen has agreed to big financial cuts compared to his past salary.

A final decision reportedly depends on whether the Williams team can land a rich sponsor from Qatar.

It appears that Raikkonen will take the place of veteran Brazilian Rubens Barrichello at the team while Pastor Maldonado will stay on.

'It is not quite clear yet who will drive. I am certain that Pastor will drive. But we will not make up my mind until we have spoken with Rubens,' said Frank Williams.

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