Williams to Announce Raikkonen Signing at Abu Dhabi GP
Kimi Raikkonen is set to return to Formula One in 2012 with Williams, with the team expected to confirm the deal at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Williams is poised to confirm Kimi Raikkonen as its driver for the 2012 Formula One season, with the announcement expected at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November 2011. The deal will see the 2007 world champion return to F1 after two seasons away from the sport.
Williams to Announce Raikkonen Deal in Abu Dhabi
Raikkonen’s F1 Hiatus and Activities
Raikkonen, who last raced in Formula One with Ferrari in 2009, has spent the past two years competing in the World Rally Championship and making appearances in NASCAR. His foray into rallying included driving for the Citroën Junior Team and later for ICE 1 Racing, a team he established himself. Though he did not achieve the same level of success as in Formula One, Raikkonen gained valuable experience in different motorsport disciplines. In 2011, he also participated in two NASCAR events in the United States, further broadening his racing portfolio.
His return to F1 has been the subject of speculation for several months, with Williams emerging as the leading candidate for his signature. According to reports from sources close to the team, Raikkonen has now signed a contract with Williams for the 2012 season. The official announcement is expected to take place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which runs from 11 to 13 November 2011.
Return of the Iceman
Raikkonen's comeback will end a two-year absence from Formula One. During his previous F1 stint, he won the 2007 world championship with Ferrari and claimed 18 Grand Prix victories. Known for his calm demeanour and straightforward approach, Raikkonen earned the nickname "The Iceman" during his career. His switch to Williams marks a new chapter for both the driver and the team, which has struggled in recent seasons to achieve competitive results.
Williams is expected to field a new car for 2012, powered by Renault engines, as the team looks to improve its competitiveness. This change in engine supplier is seen as a significant move, as the team had previously used Cosworth engines. The technical partnership with Renault is hoped to provide a boost in performance, especially with an experienced driver like Raikkonen on board.
Impact on Williams and the F1 Grid
Raikkonen's arrival at Williams is expected to bring increased attention and sponsorship interest to the Grove-based team. His reputation and popularity are likely to attract commercial partners, something Williams has been seeking after a period of lacklustre results. The move also raises questions about the future of the team's current drivers, with Rubens Barrichello's seat understood to be under threat. Barrichello, a veteran with more than 300 Grand Prix starts, has been with Williams since 2010, but his future now appears uncertain. Pastor Maldonado, the team's other driver, is expected to remain due to his strong financial backing.
Williams will be hoping Raikkonen's experience and profile can help lift the team from the lower midfield. The team last won a Grand Prix in 2004 and has since struggled to recapture its former glory. Raikkonen’s technical feedback and racecraft are seen as valuable assets as Williams aims to move up the grid. The signing comes as several other teams prepare to finalise their line-ups for 2012, with announcements expected around the Abu Dhabi race weekend.
Current Williams Line-up and the Road Ahead
The line-up for the remainder of 2011 remains unchanged, with Rubens Barrichello continuing to race for the team until the end of the season. Raikkonen last competed in Formula One at the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Ferrari, so his return at the same venue is seen as symbolic by many fans and observers. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is often a focal point for major announcements, and Williams’ confirmation of Raikkonen’s signing is expected to be a highlight of the weekend.
As the 2012 season approaches, the focus will be on how quickly Raikkonen can adapt back to Formula One machinery and whether Williams can provide a car capable of challenging for points. The technical changes, including the switch to Renault engines and the introduction of a new chassis, will be closely watched by the paddock and fans alike.
Summary Table: Williams for 2012
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lead Driver | Kimi Raikkonen (expected) |
| Engine Supplier | Renault |
| Previous Engine Supplier | Cosworth |
| Current Drivers (2011) | Rubens Barrichello, Pastor Maldonado |
| 2012 Car | New chassis under development |
| Announcement Venue | Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, November 2011 |
