Since I started in motor racing I’ve worked with people from all over the world. We are all here to go racing and prejudice will never play any part in that.

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.

My time in the World Rally Championship has been a useful stage in my career, but I can’t deny the fact that my hunger for F1 has recently become overwhelming.

It was an easy choice to return with Lotus Renault GP as I have been impressed by the scope of the team’s ambition.

Im winning races, Im still challenging for the world championships, the team is fantastic and I have a great relationship with everybody here – so why would I want to even consider changing?

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.

Ha, some days ago the same people were one hundred per cent sure that I’d signed for Red Bull! So much for that.

There’s always a lot of talk about motivation to race, but nobody really knows what I do or what I think apart from myself, so I don’t really care what people think.

I’m happy, but there’s nothing to jump around about.

The helmet has a special meaning for many drivers. How important is it to you? – It protects my head.