Williams likely to announce deal with Kimi Raikkonen for 2012 season in Abu Dhabi GP
F1india.org
The earlier rumors is set to become reality. Williams is close on getting a deal with 2007 Formula 1 World Champion, Kimi Raikkonen a.k.a Iceman.
If the deal is signed, the Finnish driver, aged 32years, can be seen driving for Williams in the next season in 2012 replacing the retiring Rubens Barrichello. Kimi is backed from Qatar-based investors.
Kimi Raikkonen earlier left Ferrari after 2009 season despite having a contract for 2010, only to join Rally Championship as he felt no interest in F1 anymore. He has currently driven for Rally Championship and NASCAR in 2011.
“(The) Raikkonen (agreement) is almost there,” a source inside the famous British team is quoted.
Williams on Wednesday hinted at the deal by revealing that a memorandum of understanding with Mowasalat, a Qatari company, was signed in Doha for the use of the team’s simulator technology.
Williams is likely to announce the deal with Raikkonen in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Speaking to the BBC during the Indian Grand Prix weekend, Parr insisted he couldn't comment about who will be part of the Williams line-up in 2012 although he did admit that someone like Raikkonen would provide motivation to improve.
"I think everybody knows that Kimi is one of the most talented drivers who has been in Formula One in recent years,” he said. “From what we can all see he's very hungry to come back in, and I think having a world champion in your midst of course energises people. So all the points you made would be very relevant to a team that was thinking about what it was doing."
The rumors having Raikkonen on Williams team started during Singapore Grand Prix when Kimi Raikkonen spotted visiting Williams Team HQ
Now the only question left to answer,"Will this Speculation be reality?"