Raikkonen, the 2007 Formula One world champion, has been linked to a drive with the Williams team next season having spent two years competing in the WRC, finishing 10th overall in 2010 and 2011.

Hirvonen, who will switch to the factory Citroen team for next year’s WRC, said of his fellow Finn during an interview with World Rally Radio: “I hope he continues. Two years is not enough to get the experience from the recce and for the pace notes. He’s made progress, okay the last few rallies [of the season] were not so good but I hope he continues. It would be good for rallying.”

What could have been Raikkonen’s final appearance in the WRC ended in disappointment when he retired after rolling his ICE 1 Racing Citroen DS3 WRC on the opening stage of Wales Rally GB’s third day. He and co-driver Kaj Lindstrom were sixth overall at the time of the incident.

Prior to the event Raikkonen told his official website: “I just focus on this rally. That’s all that matters. What happens in the future is still an open question.”

wrc.com