Raikkonen will stay with Lotus

As expected Kimi Raikkonen will remain with Lotus for the 2013 Formula One World Championship.

The 2007 Formula One World Champion returned to the sport at the start of this season and had previously agreed a two-year-deal with the former Renault team.

As part of that agreement the 32-year-old had to match various performance related clauses, but considering Raikkonen is currently third in the Formula One World Championship standings, ahead of the likes of Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Mark Webber. The news of this deal had been expected for quite some time!

'I think my return to Formula 1 has gone pretty well, I didn't expect to be fighting for the drivers' championship this season.' Kimi told the BBC.

While Raikkonen and Lotus both threatened to win races this season, the team haven't quite been able to return to the top step of the podium this season, but Kimi's consistent performances have been what has launched him into third place in the championship picture.

From 17 races, Raikkonen has scored points in 16 races, with China's 14th place finish the only time he's failed to score points. He's stood on the podium in Bahrain, Spain, Europe, Germany, Hungary and Belgium.

'It has been great to be on the podium so many times and to score points on a regular basis.

'I feel very comfortable with Lotus F1 Team and we share the same philosophy of racing. Continuing with the team was an obvious choice for me.'