Kimi Räikkönen returned to action today, getting behind the wheel of an F1 car for the first time since 2009. Lotus are completing a two-day test in a 2010 spec car, with demonstration tyres on, to help Kimi get back into the swing of things.

In his years out of Formula One, the Finn has not been sitting idle and has participated in the World Rally Championship, plus fitting in some NASCAR action as well. It was the move away from the time trials found in rallying that gave Kimi a hint that F1 may be in his future once more.

Talking to Sky Sports, the former champion said: "There were different choices for this year but I really wanted to do racing - I did some NASCAR last year and I really enjoyed competing against people again. It was then that I decided to do some racing again and F1 is the highest level of racing and where people want to be."

Kimi left the sport after winning his first championship with Ferrari, and returns with the midfield runners of Lotus. He's realistic about the possibility of returning to his former winning ways, however, saying: "Of course it takes a little bit of time to get used to it, but the main bits of driving - braking, turning, the normal things - don't take many laps. But learning about the car, the team and the tyres will take time."