Adrian Sutil's 2012 destination is still not finalized. (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)

High Praise For Sutil Amid Force India Exit Rumors: If Adrian Sutil departs, Force India will have parted ways with a driver the team regards very highly. It is rumored strongly that, despite his experience and sponsorship by the Medion company, German Sutil will be replaced for 2012 by the team's 2011 reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg. But according to Force India's official noises of late, Sutil is still highly regarded by the Silverstone based-team. Asked to summarize drivers Sutil and Paul di Resta's contribution to helping the team to finish sixth in the constructors' championship, deputy team boss Robert Fernley said: "I think they both did a fabulous job. I think Adrian's pass of Nico Rosberg in Brazil was excellent, and it just showed how he's matured through the year." And throughout the Interlagos weekend, the plaudits were also flowing, with 28-year-old Sutil's qualifying described as "excellent," and his race "brilliant." Should he be shown the door, his best chance of staying in Formula One appears to be a switch to Williams. "I am 100 percent sure that I'm going to be in Formula One next year," the German news magazine Focus quoted Sutil as saying.

Barrichello Tips Raikkonen To Struggle: Rubens Barrichello agrees with Sebastian Vettel that Kimi Raikkonen might struggle to re-adapt to F1. World Champion Vettel said this week he can imagine "it would be very difficult to return straight away to the same level as before" after a two-year absence from F1. Brazilian Barrichello, who was an outside contender for the Lotus Renault race seat now occupied by the 2007 World Champion and Finn, agrees. "We only have the example of Schumacher," said the 39-year-old, referring to Michael Schumacher who struggled last year when he returned to F1 after a three-year retirement. "If there was someone who we could be sure would walk back in and be there (on the pace), it was him. They (Raikkonen and Schumacher) are different so you can't say whether it will be easier or harder (for Raikkonen)," Barrichello is quoted by Brazil's Globo. "But I have no doubt that after two years off, he will feel the difference in terms of how the category has changed, and of course the tires." F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone said Raikkonen's return is good news. "I am really happy to see Kimi again where he belongs, in Formula One," the 81-year-old is quoted by German news agency DPA. "I am convinced that he will be looking forward to seeing his fans again."

Trulli Has 2012 Caterham Contract 'Currently' - Boss: When musing the certainty of his 2012 driver lineup, Caterham chief Tony Fernandes gives very different answers about Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli. Both have contracts for next season, but a very real question mark is lingering over the one in the possession of Italian veteran Trulli. Finn Kovalainen has been linked with a return to the Lotus Renault team, but Fernandes insists: "Heikki is not for sale. He wants to grow with our team and create something unique." That answer is in stark contrast to the one given when Fernandes is asked about Trulli, 37: "We have registered Trulli with the FIA as our driver as currently he has a contract with us," the Malaysian businessman is quoted by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport. Strongly linked to Trulli's seat is Daniel Ricciardo or Jean-Eric Vergne, who would come with the backing of their employer Red Bull. "Both of them need racing experience," Helmut Marko is quoted as saying.

After F1 Switch, Co-Driver Hopes Raikkonen Keeps Rallying: Kimi Raikkonen's co-driver for the past two years hopes the Finn will continue his passion for rallying. After leaving F1 at the end of 2009, the 2007 World Champion has now decided to return to F1 for at least the next two seasons with Lotus Renault. "I hope that Kimi will keep rallying as a hobby sometimes," his co-driver Kaj Lindstrom is quoted by Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper. "Driving on the track of course is more of Kimi's own environment but I must say that he fared very well in rallying in such a short experience. His work is his priority, and F1 is his work now, but I hope the rally stays a hobby." Raikkonen's predecessor at Lotus Renault, Robert Kubica, is still recovering from horrific injuries sustained in a minor rally last February.

Fernandes No Admirer Of F1's KERS Technology: Tony Fernandes has admitted he is no admirer of Formula One's kinetic energy recovery systems, otherwise known as KERS. Since 2009, the systems have re-used heating energy collected under braking in the form of a power 'boost' controlled via a button in the drivers' cockpit. From 2012, the Caterham drivers will enjoy the boost for the first time, with the system supplied by the team's gearbox and hydraulics supplier Red Bull. But team boss Fernandes is no admirer. Referring to the high costs involved in running a F1 team, the Malaysian said: "There is still too much money spent, and above all too much in the wrong places. We used to talk about a million euros rent for using KERS, but now we are talking about three to five million," he is quoted by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport. "For what? Our (F1's) KERS contributes nothing to the environment."

Berger Linked With Renault/Lotus Role: Gerhard Berger has emerged as a contender to work with the Lotus Renault team. Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport and Finland's Turun Sanomat report that the former GP winner, BMW motor sport director and Toro Rosso co-owner has been sounded out by Lotus' owner Genii Capital. "Team boss Eric Boullier is rumored to be leaving his duties," wrote journalist Heikki Kulta. Additionally, former McLaren sporting director Dave Ryan was in the Renault garage last weekend at Interlagos, with team figures coy about his possible full-time involvement for 2012. Genii's Gerard Lopez said this week: "Kimi (Raikkonen's) decision to come back to Formula One with us is the first step of several announcements which should turn us into an even more serious contender in the future."