Lotus team principal Eric Boullier has been left in no doubt as to Kimi Raikkonen’s motivation following his return to Formula 1 with the Enstone-based team.

Raikkonen’s comeback after two years away from the sport, during which time he predominantly competed in the World Rally Championship, has prompted questions about his desire.

The 32-year-old departed Ferrari in 2009 under a cloud, seemingly disillusioned and disenchanted with F1 just two years after becoming world champion.

The belief is Lotus have taken a considerable gamble, not only financially as Raikkonen will not come cheap, but also due to the fact he can blow hot and cold with regard to his temperament and enthusiasm.

But for Boullier, a two-day test last month in which Raikkonen took to a track in Valencia in a two-year-old car to get him up to speed, proved decisive.

On the day Lotus unveiled their new car in Jerez, after opting for an online launch of the E20, Boullier said: “Regarding whether he is motivated, I can answer that in one word – yes.

“He has it, no worries. When we did the test for a couple of days, he showed just how motivated and professional he is. It was a huge boost for the team’s own morale and motivation.

“He is a proper racer and fits in well with a team that is a bunch of proper racers.

“When he is in the car he knows exactly what he wants and that makes the team’s life easier.

“It means more ambition and more responsibility, but it is also a different way of working with a world champion. He wants to win again and that’s an ambition that we share.”