Kimi Raikkonen's return to Formula One has provoked more
interest, excitement and sensationalism than any driver appointment
since Michael Schumacher took up residence in Brackley. And yet,
the fact of the matter is that Ferrari's last world champion will
be driving for a team which came a poor fifth in last year's
standings, having scored just eight points in the second half of
the season. Can we really expect The Iceman to prosper in second
rate machinery?
A two year deal, as Schumacher has proven in similar equipment,
is probably not enough time for the Flying Finn to bag a second
world title. It would be unreasonable to suggest that he could do
so, given the gap between where the car currently lies and the
frontrunners. Of course, miracles do happen - but with the
abandonment of the forward facing exhaust concept and the recent
banning of the innovative ride height adjusting floor, the rebadged
Lotus team are likely to spend a little longer finding their feet
than most. Even if Raikkonen does come back on top of his
considerable form, he isn't likely to be a consistent threat to the
frontrunners just yet. The Finn accepts this, admitting that he is
prepared to spend the year "in the middle group".
One factor that may stand in the Finn's way is the patient style
of racing required to prosper in Formula One these days. When
describing his decision to return, the 32 year-old cited the buzz
of side by side racing as a key contributor. The problem is that
that's not always the way F1 works anymore. The wise racing driver
sits back, treats his tantrum-prone Pirellis with respect and saves
his KERS until that crucial moment. Kimi is made in the same mould
as Hamilton, or even Kobayashi - hell for leather, let's go. This
doesn't mean he won't be successful, but he will more than likely
have to adopt elements of a more mature approach to racing. And
then, when he does get within striking distance, he may find that
DRS removes much of the thrill he seeks. We'll have to wait and
see. At the end of the day, F1 is a much changed sport, and for
Raikkonen to get into his stride may take a little time.
In essence, neither car nor driver will be ready to trouble the
top step just yet. So if we can't bet on championships, what is
within Raikkonen's grasp? Well, the first challenge for him will be
his team-mate. Romain Grosjean will pose a formidable threat to The
Iceman's unofficial number one status. You may sound incredulous at
the idea of a twenty five year old who holds a steady job at a
Swiss bank challenging the former world champion, but it's not such
an absurd idea. Grosjean has two years of test and racing
experience at the Enstone based squad already under his belt. He's
also no slouch either, spending last year winning both the GP2 and
GP2 Asia Series titles. Twelve months spent dominating top level,
single seater racing was invaluable - particularly when you
consider that his future team-mate was stood looking at a crumpled
Citreon DS3 during the same period. So Kimi's first task will be to
win the internal war at Lotus.
From then on, he may have a range of personal targets. No doubt
he would like to renew his intense rivalry with Michael Schumacher,
with whom he battled over the 2003 world title until the season
finale in Japan. With Mercedes seemingly occupying roughly the same
territory as Lotus, we may find that one of the most enthralling
battles of the season takes place between the warring returnees.
Both former Ferrari champions will be eager to come out on top,
even if they are battling on the fringes of the top ten. And then
there's Alonso - if the Finn's former team aren't able to deliver
again this year, then Raikkonen would surely like nothing better
than occasionally picking off the man who ushered him out of
Maranello. This rivalry goes back a long way - their epic scrap
over the 2005 world title was something to behold. At the end of
the day though, Kimi will be happy to get one up on any driver who
crosses his path. These little landmarks are just that little bit
sweeter.
Those of us expecting Raikkonen to add to his tally are likely
to be disappointed for the time being. But that doesn't mean
Raikkonen can't be a success - if he can master the new style of
racing, his upstart team-mate and a couple of old foes, then the
laid back Finn will consider his mission accomplished. And if he
can achieve those little milestones, then he'll be one step closer
to standing atop the rostrum once more. Be warned though Kimi: it
won't be easy. Over to you...