FORMER WORLD CHAMPION Kimi Raikkonen could return to Formula One after a two-year break, possibly lining up alongside Robert Kubica at Renault.
Team manager Eric Bouiller says that it was Raikkonen himself who approached the team. “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,” said Bouiller to autosport.com after the Italian Grand Prix.
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“He is on the radar because he contacted us.”
Currently, Renault have Russian driver Vitaly Petrov alongside the Pole Robert Kubica. Asked whether Petrov could still prove himself, Bouiller said there was still time for the Russian.
“He is not very far away to be honest. 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.”
“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.”
The 2007 World Champion moved to race with Citroen in the World Rally Championship at the end of the 2009 F1 season. Renault will decide before the end of the season on their lineup for 2011.
Kimi Raikkonen could return to F1 with Renault
FORMER WORLD CHAMPION Kimi Raikkonen could return to Formula One after a two-year break, possibly lining up alongside Robert Kubica at Renault.
Team manager Eric Bouiller says that it was Raikkonen himself who approached the team. “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,” said Bouiller to autosport.com after the Italian Grand Prix.
“He is on the radar because he contacted us.”
Currently, Renault have Russian driver Vitaly Petrov alongside the Pole Robert Kubica. Asked whether Petrov could still prove himself, Bouiller said there was still time for the Russian.
“He is not very far away to be honest. 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.”
“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.”
The 2007 World Champion moved to race with Citroen in the World Rally Championship at the end of the 2009 F1 season. Renault will decide before the end of the season on their lineup for 2011.
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Formula 1 Kimi Raikkonen Renault