Lotus boss Dany Bahar has no doubts about Kimi Raikkonen's motivation

Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar says the fact that Kimi Raikkonen is willing to take on the challenge of returning to Formula 1 after a two-year absence is sufficient proof of his motivation.

After two seasons away in the World Rally Championship, 2007 world champion Raikkonen will be back in the F1 field next year with Renault, which will by then be running under the Lotus title.

Bahar, who previously worked with Raikkonen at Ferrari, said in an interview with the official F1 website that he had no worries whatsoever about the Finn's level of commitment and determination, despite many questioning Raikkonen's motivation during his career.



"As with anyone we work with on and off track, we expect him to do his best," said Bahar.

"I fully expect that he will take his commitment to the team very seriously and will do everything he can to bring in points. From what I know of Kimi from previous experience, he is a dedicated and determined driver and he wants results.

"He hasn't taken the decision to return to F1 lightly - he wants to fight to be at front."

Bahar also believes Raikkonen's addition is very good news for the Lotus brand as it prepares to take over full naming rights of the team.

"Kimi will be a great ambassador for our brand," said Bahar. "His fighting spirit and pure competitive nature make him a good match. "Now we just have to hope that his performance matches the capabilities of the car."