Renault boss Eric Boullier sure Kimi Raikkonen will deliver in Formula 1 return

Although the manner of Raikkonen's exit from F1 after a disappointing 2009 campaign has left some questioning his motivation, Renault team principal Eric Boullier is convinced that the Finn is ready to prove his doubters wrong.

"Kimi is very motivated and determined to come back, so he convinced us," Boullier told AUTOSPORT.

"You can feel it, and discuss it. Also, there are some people around him who confirmed he is very motivated. We don't need to speak much about the motivation. We know he wants to be back."

Raikkonen is due to make his first official visit to Renault's Enstone factory later this week, as the team begins proper preparations for the 2007 champion's F1 comeback.

Boullier believes that Raikkonen's presence at the outfit will be a major boost as it bids to recover from a disappointing season.

"If Kimi is coming back to F1 after two years of not racing in F1, it is because he is a world champion and everyone knows about his speed," said Boullier.

"It is very good news for the team and shows it has big ambitions for the future. An F1 world champion obviously makes a difference and I think his expectation and level of commitment will be at the level of a high class driver, so I am very excited and very happy to work with him."

He added: "We clearly have this season behind us and we look forward to racing next season, and definitely we will make some differences over the course of the next three months.

"Genii are backing us very strongly. They want Lotus to be a top team and our aim is to fight and be on the podium. We have some very exciting announcements coming and that will be key to the future."