Kimi Raikkonen at the wheel of a 2010 Renault at the Valencia circuit

Kimi Raikkonen returned to the wheel of a Formula 1 car for the first time since the end of 2009, driving a Renault R30 in Valencia (a car from two years ago), to rediscover the feeling with a Formula 1 car.

Raikkonen arrived at the track at 08.30 and took to the track in a Renault R30 painted black and gold Lotus-style and shod with demo Pirelli tires – completing an installation lap shortly after 09.00.

The Finn is taking part in a two-day test session planned so that he can get back to feeling with an F1 car. His first test with his new team in a 2012 car will take place in Jerez early next month.

According to FIA Formula 1 testing regulations, teams are not allowed to test contemporary cars beyond official testing. However, a two-year-old car is exempt from such restrictions.

Raikkonen left Formula 1 in 2009, when he was at Ferrari and choosing to move to the World Rally Championship where he competed for two seasons.

Raikkonen said last month that the biggest obstacle for him in returning to F1 will be getting used to the new Pirelli tyres.

He told the Lotus website: “I don't think I've lost any speed. Understanding the tires will be the most difficult thing, of course, but I'm not too worried."