Lotus leaves the door open for Räikkönen and Kubica for 2014

The 2013 season has barely begun, and some are already looking towards 2014. Thus, following Kimi Räikkönen’s victory at the Australian Grand Prix, the Lotus team management was already preparing to start discussions to extend the Finn’s contract beyond 2013: “We have a good relationship with Kimi,” said Gérard Lopez, the owner of the British team, to the Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat. “For the moment, everything is perfect, so of course we are going to discuss how to proceed. I don’t think it’s really negotiations but more about how we decide to continue the adventure together.”

Obviously, money will undoubtedly be at the heart of the negotiations between the Finn and his team. Kimi Räikkönen and his entourage are indeed known for their toughness in business, and for a team like Lotus, the Finn represents a real investment. However, if the Iceman’s contract includes a point bonus, which with 207 points scored in 2012 likely earned him a tidy sum, Gérard Lopez believes that Kimi Räikkönen is worth the investment: « These points are good for both parties, for the team as well as for the driver. »

For his part, true to himself, Iceman simply responds “Wait and See” to anyone who asks him about his future with Enstone. Indeed, by finishing third in the overall standings in 2012, the 2007 world champion proved that he had lost none of his brilliance and that he would be a force to be reckoned with at the wheel of a competitive car. However, the legitimate question arises as to whether Lotus will be able to keep up with its wealthier rivals in terms of development. Thus, following the Australian Grand Prix, Kimi Räikkönen remained cautious about his chances for the drivers’ title: “I’m sure we have the people and all the tools to get there. Money plays an important role. Of course, we don’t have the same budget as Ferrari, Red Bull, or Mercedes, but we saw last year that we did quite well with the money and resources we had. […] But obviously, if we had more money, it would help and give us a better chance against the big teams.”

Thus, when asked in turn about the future of Kimi Räikkönen at Lotus, Eric Boullier, director of the British team, leaves the mystery hanging: “That’s a good question! I don’t know the answer.” Therefore, while seeking to extend the Finn’s contract at Enstone, the Lotus team is keeping all options open, including the possibility of a return for Robert Kubica. Engaged in the World Rally Championship’s feeder series, the Pole has indeed never hidden his desire to return to Formula 1, which would not displease Lotus, even though it was long thought that the two parties had remained at odds following the imbroglio that occurred after the former Renault driver’s accident: “If Robert is completely ready for a return to Formula 1, he will definitely be among the candidates [for a seat at Lotus],” Boullier confides to the Russian site F1news.ru.

But as things stand, Davide Valsecchi, reigning GP2 champion and third driver of the team, is by Eric Boullier’s own admission in pole position in case a seat becomes available for 2014: « He has better chances than anyone. We have plans for him this season and we will see how he performs in his work, both on track and off. It won’t be during a Grand Prix weekend, but he will do tests with the old car. »