Mama Raikkonen says son's break from F1 was a good thing

Kimi Raikkonen's mother says her son is once again enjoying Formula 1, after his rallying sabattical in 2010 and 2011, which was a good break for the Iceman.

The famous Finn burst back into Formula 1 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 Formula 1.

"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 1 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. (GMM)