Schumacher: Raikkonen return would boost F1

Michael Schumacher believes it would be good for F1 if Kimi Raikkonen does make a return.

Raikkonen left at the end of 2009 and since then has competed in the World Rally Championship with Citroen. In recent months he has been linked to a drive with Williams and earlier this week, Christian 'Toto' Wolff, a major shareholder at the former world champion team, told Austria's Kronen Zeitung that the Grove-based outfit was seriously considering the Finn for 2012. He did add though that others were also in the frame, including GP2 series front runner, Jules Bianchi [see separate story - here].

Speaking ahead of this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the penultimate round in the F1 2011 World Championship, when asked about the prospect of the Finn returning, Schumacher added that he didn't think Raikkonen would have a problem getting back up to speed.

"In the end, you think how much can you recall your potential? How much can you drive the car to its limit? That is the main concern that was answered right away at the first test [when I made the decision to come out of retirement]," Schumacher told Reuters.

"It took me probably 15 laps to sort of get back and drive the car, not at its full limit but close and from then on it is just a matter of time. I am pretty sure with Kimi he is capable of doing the same.

"I would be very happy to see him back. We have had some very good times and I look forward for some on track and off track occasions [with him, if he does return] - it will be good."

Heikki Kovalainen meanwhile echoed those thoughts: "I have no idea whether that is happening or not," he continued. "But if Kimi decides to come back, I think the main difference for me will be that the parties after the races will be a little bit better."