When I did some NASKAR races this year I noticed that I was increasingly missing the racing side - to race against each other - because in rallying you really race against the clock.

I'm delighted to be coming back to Formula 1 after a two-year break, and I'm grateful to Lotus Renault GP for offering me this opportunity.

I just love the American spirit of racing. It feels just great to get involved with that.

Do you have any ambitions outside racing? My main ambition at the moment, whether inside or outside racing, is to become Formula 1 World Champion.

When I did some NASKAR races this year I noticed that I was increasingly missing the racing side - to race against each other - because in rallying you really race against the clock.

In rallying every curve, every hill may be different than you thought. That makes it interesting.

Where I went off, you can get back on the track by going through the support race pitlane, but you have to go through a gate. I know this as I did the same thing in 2001 and the gate was open that year. Somebody closed it this time. Next year, I'll make sure it's open again...