KIMI’S RETURN--Kimi Raikkonen returns to Formula 1 in 2012 after a two year absence, driving for Team Lotus (last year’s Renault). He’s met with engineers, had his seat fitted, and will be testing with the team in Spain next month. Raikkonen will be joined on Team Lotus by Romain Grosjean. The first round of winter testing is Feb. 7-9.
BRUNO WILLIAMS--Bruno Senna, who drove for Renault last year, is rumored to be joining Williams for 2012, to drive alongside Pastor Maldonado. Also rumored? Adrian Sutil and….Rubens Barrichello.
TESTING BUEMI--Sebastian Buemi will be Red Bull’s test and reserve driver for 2012, supporting Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. Buemi spent the past three seasons at sister team Toro Rosso. He and teammate Jaime Alguersuari both raced well at times last year, but neither will compete for Toro Rosso in 2012, having been replaced by Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne.
KUBICA COMEBACK?--Another rumor…Robert Kubica is among those being eyed by Ferrari to replace Felipe Massa if the Brazilian doesn’t pick up the pace in 2012. Kubica would, of course, have to be race ready, and is still recovering from injuries sustained during a rally crash on Feb. 6, 2011. Sergio Perez is also said to be in Ferrari’s sights for the future.
HOLD THE LINE--The FIA issued updated sporting regulations Dec. 7, 2011, with Article 20.3 reading: "More than one change of direction to defend a position is not permitted. Any driver moving back towards the racing line, having earlier defended his position off‐line, should leave at least one car width between his own car and the edge of the track on the approach to the corner. The change formalizes what the rule of thumb was during the 2011 season, but enforcement will remain the key, as always. Beware Lewis Hamilton!
BLOWN NO MORE--Exhaust-blown diffusers were also banned, reverting back to 2010 regulations and doubtless setting off a number of technical scrambles to try and seize the early advantage.
KOBA ROCK--On the lighter side: Sauber driver Kamui Kobayashi and Linkin Park teamed up to raise $19,000 for the victims of last year's Japanese earthquake and tsunami by auctioning off a specially desinged helmet Kobayashi wore at 2011’s final race in Brazil. The helmet’s livery was designed by Linkin Park DJ/programmer, Joe Hahn. Linkin Park’s ‘Music for Relief’ charity organization oversaw the auction.