They have just lost their star driver to Formula 1's most successful team, but Lotus team principal Eric Boullier has said that the team are not bitter about the move.
It was announced on Wednesday (11th September) that Raikkonen would return to Ferrari for the 2014 season for a second stint at the Maranello based squad.
Raikkonen last raced for Ferrari in 2009 before taking time out to focus on the World Rally Championship. He returned to the sport in 2012 with Lotus - a deal which came as quite a surprise at the time. The Finn has taken two race victories for the Enstone team, including the 2013 season opener in Australia.
Lotus was keen to hold on to the 33-year-old for 2014, but Boullier admits that he is not bitter about losing Raikkonen to Ferrari. He told the official Lotus website: "Not at all. Two years ago, when we decided to sign him, quite a few people thought we were crazy. And what happened in the end? We've been working with an amazing racer, who scored points for the team 27 times in a row, won two races, put motivation at a very high level at Enstone, and got on very well with his team-mate.
"Of course this is a disappointment to all of us, and we're sure you will agree that Kimi has been nothing but brilliant since he joined us. In the same breath, Enstone has once again proven its pedigree; providing him with two great cars and making his return to Formula 1 a success. It's been a win-win situation right from the beginning."
When asked what his favourite moment has been during Lotus and Raikkonnen's partnership, he said that there's still time to create better memories and push to improve on their 2012 constructor's position: "Hold on, Kimi has not left yet! We still have seven races together and our aim is to provide both him and Romain with the best machinery possible. There’s still a tough fight out there and we’re still pushing to improve on last season again with P3 in the Constructors’ Championship."
However, he did pick a favourite moment from Raikkonen's career at Lotus so far: "If I had to pick one top moment, I would say that it has to be his first win with us in Abu Dhabi last year. After the long period of slowly building ourselves up and fighting at the top end of the grid, it was really a well-deserved reward. To see Kimi on the top step of the podium for our team will be a memory that never leaves me."
The Frenchman confirmed that Lotus has several options for 2014 and that a decision will be announced shortly: "We are currently in discussion with a few people and will make a decision shortly. We are in the privileged position of being the most desirable team on the grid with a seat available, so we are therefore in no rush to announce anyone without establishing what will be the best for our team and the future."
Those thought to be on contention for the drive include Nico Hulkenberg, Davide Valsecchi and Paul Di Resta. Jerome D'Ambrosio, current Lotus test driver, could also be in with a shot at the drive. They could potentially have a completely new line up for 2014 if they decide to let go off fast but erratic Romain Grosjean.
Eric Boullier also recently confirmed that Felipe Massa is in with a chance of replacing Raikkonen, saying: "Felipe Massa is also available, so he is inevitably on the list. But let's not go too fast in activating the 'plan B'. We are the only team left with a good seat available, and so inevitably this will affect many people."
With Red Bull and Ferrari completing their 2014 line-up, all eyes will be on the black and gold liveried team as they seek to discover the best possible replacement to the departing 'Iceman'.
 |
| (c) Octane Photographic |
Raikkonen last raced for Ferrari in 2009 before taking time out to focus on the World Rally Championship. He returned to the sport in 2012 with Lotus - a deal which came as quite a surprise at the time. The Finn has taken two race victories for the Enstone team, including the 2013 season opener in Australia.
Lotus was keen to hold on to the 33-year-old for 2014, but Boullier admits that he is not bitter about losing Raikkonen to Ferrari. He told the official Lotus website: "Not at all. Two years ago, when we decided to sign him, quite a few people thought we were crazy. And what happened in the end? We've been working with an amazing racer, who scored points for the team 27 times in a row, won two races, put motivation at a very high level at Enstone, and got on very well with his team-mate.
"Of course this is a disappointment to all of us, and we're sure you will agree that Kimi has been nothing but brilliant since he joined us. In the same breath, Enstone has once again proven its pedigree; providing him with two great cars and making his return to Formula 1 a success. It's been a win-win situation right from the beginning."
 |
| (c) Octane Photographic |
However, he did pick a favourite moment from Raikkonen's career at Lotus so far: "If I had to pick one top moment, I would say that it has to be his first win with us in Abu Dhabi last year. After the long period of slowly building ourselves up and fighting at the top end of the grid, it was really a well-deserved reward. To see Kimi on the top step of the podium for our team will be a memory that never leaves me."
The Frenchman confirmed that Lotus has several options for 2014 and that a decision will be announced shortly: "We are currently in discussion with a few people and will make a decision shortly. We are in the privileged position of being the most desirable team on the grid with a seat available, so we are therefore in no rush to announce anyone without establishing what will be the best for our team and the future."
Those thought to be on contention for the drive include Nico Hulkenberg, Davide Valsecchi and Paul Di Resta. Jerome D'Ambrosio, current Lotus test driver, could also be in with a shot at the drive. They could potentially have a completely new line up for 2014 if they decide to let go off fast but erratic Romain Grosjean.
Eric Boullier also recently confirmed that Felipe Massa is in with a chance of replacing Raikkonen, saying: "Felipe Massa is also available, so he is inevitably on the list. But let's not go too fast in activating the 'plan B'. We are the only team left with a good seat available, and so inevitably this will affect many people."
With Red Bull and Ferrari completing their 2014 line-up, all eyes will be on the black and gold liveried team as they seek to discover the best possible replacement to the departing 'Iceman'.
No comments:
Post a Comment