Flying Finn Kimi Raikkonen is to return to Formula One racing next season after signing a two-year deal with Lotus Renault GP, the team announced yesterday.

The 2007 world champion with Ferrari left the sport in a surprise move in 2009 to pursue a career in rallying but has decided to return with Lotus Renault after talks with Williams fell through.

“I’m delighted to be coming back to Formula 1 after a two-year break, and I’m grateful to Lotus Renault GP for offering me this opportunity,” Raikkonen told reporters.

“My time in rallying 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 as I have been impressed by their ambition.

“Now I’m looking forward to playing an important role in pushing the team to the very front of the grid.”

Raikkonen, 32, notched 18 Grands Prix wins with Ferrari in his first spell in F1 and Lotus Renault owner Gerard Lopez said he was delighted to have hired a driver of his experience.

“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,” he said.

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