Kimi Raikkonen's back in Formula One
Kimi Raikkonen has signed a two-year deal with Lotus Renault GP saying he has had an "overhwelming" desire to race in Formula One again.
In 2009, two years after being crowned world champion, Raikkonen switched to rallying but has decided to return to the sport, having also had talks with Williams.
"I'm grateful to the team for offering me this opportunity," said the 32-year-old, who won 18 grands prix with Ferrari. "My time in rallying has been a useful stage in my career as a driver but I can't deny the fact my hunger for Formula One has recently become overwhelming.
"It was an easy choice to return with Lotus Renault GP as I've been impressed by the scope of the team's ambition. Now I'm looking forward to playing an important role in pushing the team to the very front of the grid."
The Finn's prospects of doing that are open to question given that Renault were fifth in the constructors' championship and they are without a win since double champion Fernando Alonso was driving for them in 2008.
Lotus Renault owner Gerard Lopez said: "Kimi's decision to come back to Formula One with us is the first step of several announcements which should turn us into an even more serious contender in the future."
