Raikkonen contender for Melbourne pole predicts Salo

Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen is being tipped to fight for pole position at the season opener in Australia next month, and the world championship in 2013.

"I am quite sure Kimi will fight for the championship," fellow Finn Mika Salo, now a commentator for the MTV3 broadcaster, said.

After two seasons in rallying, 2007 world champion Raikkonen returned to formula one with Lotus last year, finishing the championship third and winning in Abu Dhabi.

"Last year he was not able to consistently show good results all of the time, and the team made mistakes that should not be repeated," said former Sauber and Ferrari driver Salo.

"It is clear that the Lotus has now improved. I have no doubt that, in Australia, Kimi will fight for pole position." (GMM)