Lotus keep offer on table despite talk of Raikkonen Ferrari return
FORMER world champion Kimi Raikkonen is increasingly expected to seal a return to Ferrari this week, but current team Lotus have not given up hope of keeping the Finn.
Raikkonen is the favourite to replace Felipe Massa at Formula One’s most famous team next season, when his two-year Lotus contract expires.
The 33-year-old has flourished since returning from a self-imposed break from the track, finishing third in last season’s championship and lying fourth this year. Lotus boss Eric Boullier admits Raikkonen is still waiting on assurances from his team, but says the ball is in the driver’s court.
“The decision rests more with him because he has an offer from us,” said Boullier.
“We know he has a couple of things we have to supply and deal with to close the discussion. But now Kimi is in a position where he is being chased by most of the paddock and he will decide.”
Raikkonen won the title in 2007 during his previous spell at Ferrari.