If he was in charge at Lotus, Gerhard Berger would not have signed Kimi Raikkonen for 2012.<\/p>\n
Former ten-time winner Berger, the former BMW motor sport director and Toro Rosso co-owner, admitted that the 2007 world champion’s comeback is “good for formula one”.<\/p>\n
But “If he is able to reach the top again I would say is 50-50,” he told the Austrian broadcaster ORF.<\/p>\n
“I do not think the best,” said the former Ferrari and McLaren driver, “if he decides to stop, does a bit of rallying and then says ‘Ok, now I’m coming back’.<\/p>\n
“I would be surprised if he has the strength, discipline and ambition to return to the front,” added Berger.<\/p>\n
“Of course he should not be underestimated and I do not — there is no question he is quick and it would be good for F1, so let’s hope for it and wish him all the best.”<\/p>\n
But if he was in Lotus chief Eric Boullier’s shoes, “Clearly, no, I would not have taken him”, admitted Berger.<\/p>\n
“Formula one is so unique.\u00a0 If you don’t really live it day and night, constantly perfecting yourself and working on it, it is difficult,” he added.<\/p>\n
“It’s hard, hard work, and whether he has the willingness to do this hard, hard work, we’ll see.”<\/p>\n
Berger’s fellow Austrian, triple world champion Niki Lauda, told Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper: “It’s cool that he is back.<\/p>\n
“He (Raikkonen) is a colourful personality and will arouse great interest among the fans and the media.”<\/p>\n
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