More from Berger

[Dare]

 I'm not too sure Kimi left F1 entirely on his
own.After being forced out like MS what were
his other choices?Like we've discussed before
when a driver is replaces there's usually no time
to sign on a new team

 

If he was in charge at Lotus, Gerhard Berger would not have signed Kimi Raikkonen for 2012.

Former 10-time winner Berger, the former BMW motor sport director and Toro Rosso co-owner, admitted that the 2007 World Champion's comeback is "good for Formula One."

But "If he is able to reach the top again I would say is 50-50," he told the Austrian broadcaster ORF.

"I do not think the best," said the former Ferrari and McLaren driver, "if he decides to stop, does a bit of rallying and then says 'OK, now I'm coming back.'

"I would be surprised if he has the strength, discipline and ambition to return to the front," added Berger.

"Of course he should not be underestimated and I do not — there is no question he is quick and it would be good for F1, so let's hope for it and wish him all the best."

But if he was in Lotus chief Eric Boullier's shoes, "Clearly, no, I would not have taken him", admitted Berger.

"Formula One is so unique. If you don't really live it day and night, constantly perfecting yourself and working on it, it is difficult," he added.

"It's hard, hard work, and whether he has the willingness to do this hard, hard work, we'll see."

Berger's fellow Austrian, triple World Champion Niki Lauda, told Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper: "It's cool that he is back.

"He (Raikkonen) is a colorful personality and will arouse great interest among the fans and the media."

[cosworth151]

I agree with what Lauda says there in the last two paragraphs. It is cool to have Kimi back and even cooler to have six WDC's on the grid! 

[John S]

If Kubica was fit and ready there's no way that Reckless Eric would have signed Kimi, so I guess the team perceive his real value is to please the sponsors and keep the team in amongst the top 5 in media coverage as we go into the new season.

Can't see the team being as forgiving as Merc with Schumi if the teamate starts to out score Kimi. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. 

[Ian]

I'm afraid having Raikkonen back arouses no great interest in me, but if Mika was younger and came back that would be a different matter.

[Andy B]

I agree with Ian if the two McLaren drivers were not arguing and the team had been more decicive he would not have been WC infact he would probably only managed third.
He was also one of those drivers who never seemed interested and some days he was good and on others average.
If Kubica had been there would there have been a seat for him?
I wonder what deal he has in place? Part owner? Shares? Maybe this will give him more incentive.