Finland's 2007 Formula One world champion Kimi Raikkonen set the fastest time in his Lotus-Renault during the first day of pre-season testing in Jerez today.

The 32-year-old Raikkonen - winner of 18 grands prix - is putting this year's model through its paces as he returns to Formula One after two years away.

Raikkonen won his 2007 crown with Ferrari before switching to the World Rally Championship in 2009 followed by a spell in Nascar racing.

Testing runs until Friday with further sessions at Barcelona from February 21-24 and March 1-4, before the GP opener in Melbourne, Australia on March 18.

Times and laps:

1. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Lotus-Renault) 1min 19.670sec 75 laps

2. Paul di Resta (GBR/Force India-Mercedes) 1:19.772 101

3. Nico Rosberg (GER/Mercedes) 1:20.219 56

4. Mark Webber (AUS/Red Bull-Renault) 1:20.496 54

5. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:20.694 57

6. Michael Schumacher (GER/Mercedes) 1:20.794 42

7. Kamui Kobayashi (JPN/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:21.353 106

8. Jenson Button (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:21.530 62

9. Felipe Massa (BRA/Ferrari) 1:22.815 69

10. Heikki Kovalainen (FIN/Caterham-Renault) 1:23.178 28

11. Pastor Maldonado (VEN/Williams-Renault) 1:23.371 25

12. Pedro de la Rosa (ESP/HRT-Cosworth) 1:23.676 44

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