Lauda scoffs at Raikkonen return reports

Niki Lauda has scoffed at suggestions Kimi Raikkonen might seriously be considering a return to formula one next year.

The 2007 world champion’s rally contract with Citroen is nearing an end, amid speculation that a seat next year with Renault is a possibility.

"Never ever," triple world champion Lauda, 61, told the Austrian newspaper Osterreich.

"One hears that he is enjoying himself more than ever. He’s not serious enough to think about coming back to formula one," said the Austrian.

Lauda also criticised the Finn for "not achieving very much" during his debut season in the world rally championship this year.