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 formula one 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 horror injuries sustained in a minor rally last February.