Kimi: Makes no difference who my team-mate is

Kimi Raikkonen has downplayed the impact Michael Schumacher's return to the grid could have on his own Valencia GP, saying it makes no difference to him who his team-mate is.

Schumacher could make a sensational comeback at the upcoming European GP as, depending on his fitness, he is set to replace the injured Felipe Massa.

However, some have already expressed concerns about how Schumacher's return will impact on Raikkonen.

"I've been massively critical of Raikkonen, and I think this is going to be the big wake-up call for him," said former team boss Eddie Jordan. "You will see a new Raikkonen because he will not want to be disgraced by Michael Schumacher."

But EJ isn't the only one who believes Raikkonen will need to up his game or risk being upstaged by a 40-year-old.

Former World Champ Niki Lauda reckons "the most interesting thing will be to see him up against Kimi Raikkonen in the other Ferrari - who will be faster? Put it this way: Kimi has to get his act together or be shown up."

Raikkonen, though, is calm about the prospect of facing the seven-time World Champ in the same car.

"For me it makes no difference who drives the second car. I don't think it is 100 per cent sure that he will drive as he is still checking things out. But it will be nice to have him as a team-mate. It nearly happened before," he said.

As for his usual team-mate Felipe Massa, Raikkonen has wished the Brazilian a speedy recovery from the injuries he sustained in Hungary.

"I want to wish Felipe well again. He had an incredible accident on last Saturday and I think that he was on everybody's mind in the Scuderia Ferrari and the drivers on the grid," said the Finn.

"I know that his condition is improving constantly and I'm glad to hear that. I really hope that he'll be alright soon and get back on the track."

Kimi: Makes no difference who my team-mate is - Planet-F1 News - from planet-f1.com