But lots of things are possible, including life on Mars, and the truth of the matter is that nothing has been agreed for 2012. So Kimi prefers to maintain a dignified silence about the recent flurry of speculation that has linked him to various Formula 1 teams – although he admits that a move back is possible. And this is just the normal world we’re talking about: imagine what it’s like in the rarefied atmosphere of Formula 1 where the air is as rendolent with self-absorption as it is with designer aftershave and there are more hidden agendas than in the cellar of a stationary shop. Let’s be honest: nobody is ever really interested in the weather or how your journey was. The problem with polite conversation is that it’s meaningless.

What is perceived to be a monosyllabic outlook on life (once prompting paddock magazine The Red Bulletin to produce a photo feature called ‘The 12 moods of Kimi Raikkonen’ – the catch being that all 12 photos were identical) is not even true: Kimi has plenty to say when he believes that there is something worthwhile to say or – more pertinently – something worthwhile to respond to. What could be more logical then that? But some people make the mistake of confusing a lack of communication with a lack of motivation when, in fact, the exact opposite is true. All he wants to do is win – in the most efficient way possible. In fact, he is one of the most straightforward yet misunderstood characters in motor racing. Kimi Räikkönen, despite a widespread reputation to the contrary, is not an enigma. Now, after all the endless speculation, you can hear it exclusively from the man himself: Kimi Räikkönen wants to return. He left F1 at the end of 2009 to try his hand at rallying and even NASCAR trucks.

Includes a great insight into the Iceman’s thoughts on a return to F1 and comments on his rallying, Nascar and LeMans experiences. Feature from F1 Racing magazine issue November 2011.

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