Berger linked with Renault/Lotus role

UPDATE

Gerhard Berger in 2008 when he was still part owner in the Toro Rosso team

This rumor is downgraded to 'false' today. Gerhard Berger has played down reports he is a contender to return to formula one with a role at the Lotus team in 2012. International reports had predicted the former grand prix winner, BMW motor sport director and Toro Rosso co-owner will return from retirement amid rumors team boss Eric Boullier is leaving his role.

"My perpetual holiday is continuing," the 52-year-old former Ferrari and McLaren driver is quoted as saying by Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat.

12/01/11 (GMM) 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 grand prix 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."