The 2007 F1 world champion spent the weekend testing an Abarth Grande Punto on gravel in preparation for the ninth round of the WRC.

The Ferrari ace, whose older brother Rami is a rally driver, has made no secret of his ambition to race in WRC and has driven in three rallies this year, having raced in the Arctic Rally, the Vaakuna Rally and the Rally della Marca in Italy in May. 

Raikkonen will be co-driven by Kaj Lindstrom, the former co-driver of four-time world champion Tommi Makinen. Makinen's racing team will run Kimi’s car.

"He has competed on snow and asphalt, but never gravel, but we have tested on gravel," said Lindstrom. "But one of the hardest things for Kimi will be the speed of this event. Rally Finland and the roads used are so fast, like nothing we have done before - that does take time.

"But, let's not forget, this guy is a pretty good driver! He's very talented and I'm sure he will cope fine."

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