Williams mull Raikkonen's F1 return

Williams are pondering bringing former world champion Finn Kimi Raikkonen back to Formula One next year, according to paddock insiders at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Raikkonen, now 32, won the drivers' world title with Ferrari in 2007, left F1 after 2008 and has driven in world rallying for the last two years.

Williams have declined to comment on their discussions with drivers or their likely line-up for 2012, but sources at the Marina Bay circuit made clear that the Finn has held talks with the team.

If he is recruited by Williams, he would probably replace Brazilian veteran Rubens Barrichello, 39, as team-mate to Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado.

Raikkonen made his debut in F1 with Sauber in 2001 and won 18 of his 157 Grands Prix in a career that also saw him race for McLaren before he joined Ferrari.

Once one of the sport's greatest teams and serial winners in the 1980's and 1990's, Williams have struggled of late and this season is the worst in their history.

They are currently ninth of 12 teams in the constructors' table with only five points.