Mother says Raikkonen’s comeback ’a surprise’

Kimi Raikkonen’s mother says her son is once again enjoying formula one, after his rallying sabattical in 2010 and 2011.

The famous Finn burst back into F1 with Lotus last year, earning legions of new fans who enjoy his unique personality, and finishing a surprise third in the world championship.

Raikkonen’s mother, Paula, said she was surprised late in 2011 when she read rumours her 33-year-old son was thinking about returning to F1.

"I had heard rumours of his talks with Williams, so I asked him about it," she is quoted by the Finnish broadcaster MTV3.

"He said he would prefer to go to Lotus, because it was a better option for him. It was a surprise," she said.

"His friends had told me that he stopped formula one because he was tired (of it), and then suddenly he went back.

"I think the little break was a good thing, because now he seems to be enjoying the racing again," she added.