Kimi Raikkonen says his initial return to Formula 1 machinery is likely to come in a two-year-old car next month, with the former world champion expecting to quickly show he retains all of the prodigious speed he was renowned for in the past.

After a challenging two years cutting his teeth in the World Rally Championship, the 18-time grand prix winner is making an F1 comeback with Lotus Renault in 2012.

Raikkonen’s last outing in an F1 car came in November 2009 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and he will have to wait until February 7 at the earliest to return to the most up-to-date machinery when the first pre-season test gets underway at Jerez.

The Finn, however, expects to have the chance to get back up to speed in an old car before then some time in January, as is permitted under the sport’s testing restrictions, amid ongoing work over the forthcoming weeks to get to know his new team.

“We don’t test the new car until February so it’s a long wait,” Raikkonen said.

“However, I should be able to jump into a two-year-old F1 car in January. Of course, there will be the usual training, but I will also be working on getting to know the team better and making sure I fully understand all the changes since I have been away.”

The 32-year-old has already played down the challenges he faces in getting back up to speed in F1 after two years away, although has acknowledged that the transition to Pirelli tyres may take a little bit of time.

He also reckons that, with the practice of off-throttle blowing banned for 2012, he could return to a sport about to witness a shake-up of the recent pecking order.

“I am more motivated than ever and I don’t think I’ve lost any speed,” Raikkonen insisted.

“Getting on top of the tyres will be the hardest thing, of course, but I’m not really worried. Although the technical regulations don’t seem to change much, they apply to a lot of areas and quite a few elements will have to be re-designed.

“As a result, the cars will be significantly different next year. The order could be shaken up, which will make things very interesting.”

Raikkonen added that he had been made to feel welcome by all at Enstone so far and that he was impressed with the former back-to-back champions’ infrastructure.

Asked for the best moment since he signed for Renault, the Finn joked: “Sebastian Vettel’s impersonation of me at the Autosport awards!

“No, seriously, my two visits to Enstone have been great. The first one, at the team’s Christmas party, made me realise how much support I have there.

“The second one, last week, allowed me to understand that this team has not been world champion by coincidence.

“I also saw all the investments they have made recently: new simulator building, CFD upgrade, 60% wind tunnel… It gives me a lot of confidence for the season ahead.”