Räikkönen and Bianchi in talks with Williams

Since he visited the Grove facilities last September, Kimi Räikkönen has been the subject of rumors suggesting he will join the Williams team in 2012.

In India, Adam Parr, president of Williams, commented on the rumors without confirming any possible negotiations: « I think everyone knows that Kimi is one of the most talented drivers Formula One has seen in recent years. From what we know, he is eager to return, and I think having a world champion in the team energizes everyone. […] We are considering what we will do for next year, no decision has been made, and I am really sorry, but I cannot say more at the moment. »

In an interview with the Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung, Toto Wolff, shareholder of the British team, confirms that talks are underway with the 2007 world champion: « The Kimi Räikkönen file is on the table. It’s not just to entertain the gallery, we are negotiating seriously, but it is only one of many possibilities. However, there is another option, bolder, with the young Jules Bianchi, and Valtteri Bottas deserves to be considered, at least for Friday tests. »

Wolff also assures that a strategic decision will be made, even as Williams has recently strengthened its ties with Qatar. Franck Williams has been seeking, for several years, a partnership with the Qatari national bank, QNB, which has reportedly set the appointment of Kimi Räikkönen as a condition for engagement.

The Finnish television MTV also claims that an announcement regarding QNB’s sponsorship and the officialization of Kimi Räikkönen for 2012 could take place during the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.