Team owner Gerard Lopez added: “All year long, we kept saying that our
team was at the start of a brand new cycle. Backstage we’ve been working
hard to build the foundations of a successful structure and to ensure that
we would soon be able to fight at the highest level.
“Kimi’s decision to come back to Formula 1 with us is the first step of
several announcements which should turn us into an even more serious
contender in the future. Of course, we are all looking forward to working
with a world champion. On behalf of our staff, I’d like to welcome Kimi to
Enstone, a setting that has always been known for its human approach to
Formula 1.”
Before his two-year break, Raikkonen had 18 wins, 62 podiums and 16 pole
positions to his name.
A statement released on the Lotus Renault GP website said the team hoped that
the 32-year-old’s return would “help the team make a step forward next
year” and demonstrate “the team’s determination and new philosophy
for the seasons ahead.”
It remains unconfirmed who Raikkonen will be driving alongside as Russian
driver Vitaly Petrov is contracted until the end of 2012 but is widely
expected to be replaced by Romain Grosjean.
At the start of the season, Nick Heidfeld was brought in to drive for Kubica
though the German was replaced by Bruno Senna at the end of August.
Raikkonen’s arrival at Lotus Renault GP will give hope to Rubens Barrichello
that he may yet be awarded his 20th season in the sport as the
aforementioned Finn had been linked with Williams before today’s
announcement.
Few seats remain available for next season with Adrian Sutil’s future also
hanging in the balance at Force India who are rumoured to be lining up Nico
Hulkenberg as Paul di Resta’s team mate.