Kimi Raikkonen is set to make his second Sauber debut during next week’s post-race Formula 1 test at the Yas Marina Circuit.
It was confirmed in September that Raikkonen would leave Ferrari at the end of the season, bringing to an end a relationship that lasted eight years across two spells, with youngster Charles Leclerc recruited as his replacement.
Raikkonen immediately penned a two-year deal with Sauber, returning to the team with which he carried out his rookie season in Formula 1 in 2001.
Formula 1 teams will stay on for two days of post-season running at the Yas Marina Circuit next Tuesday and Wednesday, with the action officially designated as a tyre test.
Sauber team boss Frederic Vasseur confirmed on Friday that Raikkonen will sample the team’s C37 during the test.
Raikkonen, who will partner Ferrari-affiliated Antonio Giovinazzi at Sauber, will therefore be one of several drivers to link up with their 2019 teams early.
Carlos Sainz Jr. (McLaren), Lance Stroll (Force India) and George Russell (Williams) are all set to test in new surroundings.
Sauber has been one of Formula 1's most improved teams through the course of 2018 and is set to classify eighth in this year's Constructors' Championship.