Kimi talks with Williams? - No. Signs with Lotus Renault for 2012

Raikkonen will not be racing for Williams next season according to Martin Brundle during the BBC F1 Feed.
 
I don't see any team taking Raikkonen for next year... or to put it better.. I don't see Raikkonen driving for any team next year.
 
Raikkonen has signed with Lotus-Renault GP for 2012.

Crash.Net
Rumours oven the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend that talks between Williams and Kimi Raikkonen had broken down can now be confirmed - and explained - following the surprise announcement that the Finn will be returning to F1..... with Lotus Renault GP!

The Enstone team sprang a surprise on the F1 world by announcing the Finn as one half of its 2012 driver line-up two days after the 2011 season officially ended at Interlagos, confirming speculation over the Sao Paulo weekend that the much-hyped conversations between the 2007 world champion and Williams had come to an end. At the time, however, no-one predicted that Räikkönen would pop up anywhere else on the grid, particularly at Lotus Renault, which already appeared to have a glut of talent to choose from for next season.

“I'm delighted to be coming back to F1 after a two-year break, and I'm grateful to Lotus Renault GP for offering me this opportunity," Räikkönen commented, "My time in the World Rally Championship has been a useful stage in my career as a driver, but I can't deny the fact that my hunger for F1 has recently become overwhelming.

"It was an easy choice to return with Lotus Renault GP as I have 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.”
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It will something to watch now F1 next season the Ice man returns he will be super fast i reckon if renault have a good package
 
prisonermonkeys
No. It's either Williams or nothing. Raikkonen's return hinges on sponsors from the Middle East, and Williams is the only team with a vacancy and the appropriate connections. The notion that Raikkonen can show up at a team HQ and drive for them is little more than a fanboy fantasy, and one that you need to get over. It's not going to happen.
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tribolik
Yep... it seems to be the end of this thread...
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tombrooks97
Raikkonen has signed with Lotus-Renault GP for 2012.
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Bit of a turn around! :D
 
I don't understand this thread's existence, considering there's a 2012 drivers thread. Should a separate thread be made about Senna or Barrichelo?
 
Thread can continue. Title has been changed.

Hun - I believe this one exists as Kimi is more of a story and therefore garners more discussion.
 
Really excited about reading this. Having been a fan since the first time I saw him in Formula Renault, I am pleased that he is going to Lotus and not Williams. And god help me but when Kubica is back... that will be a team of just rediculous amounts of raw talent. Could be a problem like the Alonso and Hamilton deal. But still excited. I see them being top contenders at the end of 2012 if not 2013 for sure.
 
I'm personally bit reserved about this. While I have never been a big fan of Räikkönen I also have no problem admitting that he was very fast. The thing is can he get up to speed again and how long it will take. I hope he gets back in to the groove as having six world champions racing on the same grid would be great.
 
Danny
I can't help but wonder what form Kubica will be in. Massa was never really the same after his Hungary incident.
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Massa seems to be a rare case. I can think of one person to counter that thought right off the bat. Hakkinen.
 
Kamuifanboy
Yeah, but Kubica's injuries were just broken bones and a shattered hand were they not? Massa had eye damage which is pretty bad in comparison.
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I think I'm gonna reserve judgement until he's back.
 
Kamuifanboy
Massa seems to be a rare case. I can think of one person to counter that thought right off the bat. Hakkinen.
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Danny
It's true that it's rare. But not unheard of.
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Kubica's career could quite easily follow that of Alessandro Nannini. He was also a well thought of driver tipped to do well, but badly injured his arm in a helicopter crash. Although he went on to race in DTM(?) and sportscars, he was never quite the same again.
 
Kamuifanboy
Yeah, but Kubica's injuries were just broken bones and a shattered hand were they not? Massa had eye damage which is pretty bad in comparison.
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Kubica injuries were far more worse that Massa's. Kubica's life was on the line. His nervers, mucles, bones have been badly injured. I have doubts of his successful return in F1, a shame such a great talent.

Danny
I can't help but wonder what form Kubica will be in. Massa was never really the same after his Hungary incident.
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Massa was never much of a driver anyway and even worse now yes.
 
nissman
Massa was never much of a driver anyway and even worse now yes.
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Yeah I always thought of him not really "deserving" of his Ferrari ride. He proved me wrong in 2008 with a solid season. But still I never thought of him like I do Vettel, Raikkonen, Hakkinen, Alonso, Kobayashi or Kubica to name more of recent years.

I think Kubica will be fine. He's a true talent when it comes to ability to drive. That's something I think a good driver never loses. Is that mindset to drive fast. Give him a race or two, maybe less, and he'll be back up to speed.
 

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