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Haug’s visit to see Raikkonen fires F1 rumours

"I do hope he comes back, because it would be a good thing for F1,"

By GMM

9 July 2010 - 20:42

Mercedes competition director Norbert Haug recently travelled to Kimi Raikkonen’s home in Switzerland.

The visit triggered rumours, reported initially by the Finnish tabloid Iltalehti, that the 2007 world champion and current world rally championship driver might be negotiating his return to formula one.

Raikkonen’s spokesman Riku Kuvaja responded by saying the situation for the 30-year-old former McLaren and Ferrari driver is "the same as before".

He would not confirm Haug’s Swiss visit.

But at Silverstone on Friday, Haug himself confirmed the news but insisted their meeting was not about Raikkonen’s future.

"I have been in contact with Kimi as a friend," said the German, who worked alongside Raikkonen between 2002-2006 at McLaren and was even a guest at the Finn’s wedding.

As for Raikkonen’s future, Haug said he has not discussed it with the rally driver. "Kimi will make a decision for himself," he said on Friday, according to MTV3.

"I do hope he comes back, because it would be a good thing for F1," added Haug.