London - Arabstoday
French driver Romain Grosjean will return to the Formula One starting grid next season as Kimi Raikkonen’s Lotus team-mate, the former Renault Formula One team announced on Friday. The news completed the team’s race line-up and means both Lotus drivers will be making comebacks, with Grosjean dropped by Renault at the end of 2009 after seven grands prix as a replacement. Raikkonen has been competing in the world rally championship for the past two seasons.The announcement left Russian Vitaly Petrov, who competed for the team this year along with Brazilian Bruno Senna, looking for a seat with only a few options available.“I am thrilled to be one of the team’s race drivers in 2012,” said Grosjean.“There’s a big grin on my face at the prospect of getting behind the wheel of next year’s car, and I feel very privileged to be given this opportunity.” His contract was announced at the same time as a renewal of the team’s sponsorship with French oil giant Total.