F1: Raikkonen Set To Test 2010 Renault

Formula 1

F1: Raikkonen Set To Test 2010 Renault

Kimi Raikkonen will drive Renault at Valencia test...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted January 09, 2012 Balen (BEL)

Kimi Raikkonen will have his work cut out for him in returning to Formula One. (Photo: Getty Images)

Kimi Raikkonen will have a chance to get back up to speed when he drives a 2010 Renault at Valencia on January 23-24.

The test will give him a head start prior to the commencement of official testing with contemporary cars in Jerez on February 7.

Under the sporting regulations, teams are allowed to test with two-year-old cars outside the usual group tests, on the proviso that they use basic ‘demo’ tires provided by Pirelli.

Renault used a 2009 chassis last year for demo and promotional events, and this will be the first opportunity to run the model with which Robert Kubica earned three podiums.

In effect Raikkonen will be doing a test that had originally been earmarked for Kubica, had he been part of the team’s plans for this year.

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.