Kimi Raikkonen says he feels like he’s coming home following the recent announcement that he will return to Formula 1 next season with Lotus (formerly Renault).
The Finnish driver, who has been absent from the sport for two years after brief forays in the WRC and NASCAR, doesn’t believe he’s lost any of his former speed, and doesn’t anticipate any difficulties in finding his feet.
“Let’s put it this way: before my two years of rallying I had nine seasons, 157 races and 18 wins in Formula 1,” explained the 32-year-old. “I know the sport well.
“When I went to rallying and when I tried NASCAR, there were many new things to learn, but with Formula 1 I feel like I’m coming home.
“I can’t wait to get behind the wheel,” he added.
When asked if he felt it would take a long time to get back up to speed, he replied: “I hope not! I am more motivated than ever and I don’t think I’ve lost any speed.”
The biggest challenge his return presents, are the new short-life Pirelli tyres which he is yet to sample, though he admitted he’s not too worried and believes the changes for 2012 could even result in a unknown running order at the front.
“Getting on top of the tyres will be the hardest thing, of course, but I’m not really worried,” he added. “Although the technical regulations don’t seem to change much, they apply to a lot of areas and quite a few elements will have to be re-designed. As a result, the cars will be significantly different next year. The order could be shaken up, which will make things very interesting.”
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