The ex-Formula One world champion is tackling the event for a third time this season and Benoit Nogier, whose Citroen Racing Technologies operation runs Raikkonen’s ICE 1 Racing Citroen DS3 WRC, has high hopes for the Finn.

“Kimi loves his country and his rally,” said Nogier. “He really enjoyed his two-day test and he got the car to handle to his liking. He has a logical approach. He was his usual self, did not get excited and kept his unflappable calm. We hope he’ll drive a consistent race and close the gap to the frontrunners.”

Nogier explained that Raikkonen and fellow Citroen Racing Technologies driver Petter Solberg tested on roads similar to those found on this week’s World Rally Championship counter.

“There was a combination of humps and wide, quick sections,” said Nogier. “Our drivers were a bit worried about how the car would handle at very high speed but this test session has reassured them about the balance of the DS3 R3.”

Raikkonen made his WRC debut on Rally Finland in 2009, impressing in an Abarth Grande Punto Super 2000 before ultimately crashing out. Last year, armed with a Citroen C4 WRC, the 31-year-old was eighth overall at the completion of the opening day but slipped back to 25th at the finish after spending 10 minutes off the road.

Co-driven by fellow Finn Kaj Lindstrom, Raikkonen has made four appearances in the WRC this season and has scored drivers’ championship points on each occasion. He holds eighth position in the standings, while ICE 1 Racing is fifth in the manufacturers’ table.

wrc.com