Raikkonen rumours stalk Barrichello, Sutil in Abu Dhabi

Even in the cool Finn’s notable absence in Abu Dhabi, two drivers are keeping a keen eye on the plans of Kimi Raikkonen.

Rumours are getting hotter with every passing day that F1’s world champion of 2007 is in serious talks with Williams about returning in 2012 after a two year world rally and NASCAR hiatus.

Rubens Barrichello might be excused for bristling at the mention of the so-called ’iceman’, as the talks mean the veteran is likely to travel to his native Brazil later this month without knowing if it will be his last of a record 322 grands prix.

"I might go to Brazil without any confirmation but I’m not saying goodbye to my fans," the 39-year-old said on Thursday.

"I cannot talk anything bad about Kimi, or about anyone really. We all are in contention. I just hope I’m the better option," added Barrichello.

He might have been also referring to Adrian Sutil, who is in the process of probably parting with Force India and hawking his experience and sponsors Medion and Capri-Sun to Williams.

Asked on Thursday about his Williams talks, the German answered: "I’m not sharing it with you."

Sutil was also coy at the mention of Raikkonen’s name.

"I have no idea," he is quoted by F1’s official website.

"I have heard that Kimi wants to come back, but there’s also a question about whether a team wants to take the risk of bringing somebody back who was hasn’t driven for two years."