Raikkonen Back to the Renault F1 Together

  Starting next year Formula 1 will be re-enlivened by Kimi Raikkonen. The 2007world champion will race with the Renault team.

Autosport reported, Raikkonen, who left F1 in 2009 ago, has been officiallycontracted by Renault for the next two years.

Post-F1, Raikkonen to his rally racing and briefly appeared in the NASCARTruck Series races and one Nationwide event. However, the drivers nicknamed the Iceman was still often linked with a possible comeback to F1.

Not long ago Raikkonen reportedly had a conversation with Williams but the deal failed to knit and after that he was linked with Renault that will be referred to as Lotus Renault starting next year.

UK-based team is forced to look for other drivers after Robert Kubica will not beable to perform in early 2012 following the injury from an accident earlier this year.

"I'm very happy to return to Formula 1 after an absence of over two years and I am grateful to Lotus Renault GP has offered me this opportunity," saidRaikkonen.

"My time in World Rally Championship is very important in my career as a racerbut I can not deny the fact that my hunger in F1 these days feels very large," continued the former McLaren and Ferrari.

"The choice is easy to come back with Lotus Renault GP because I have been impressed with the ambition of the team. Now I'm looking forward to play animportant role to spur the team on the grid at the front," said Raikkonen.

Finn made ​​his debut in F1 in 2001. Throughout his career, Raikkonen hasscored 18 victories.