Kimi Raikkonen heads back to Sauber on two-year deal

Sauber has confirmed that Kimi Raikkonen has signed a two-year deal to race for the team in Formula 1 through 2020.

Raikkonen made his Formula 1 debut for the team in 2001 before switching to McLaren the following season, after which followed two spells at Ferrari, either side of a stint in the WRC and a two-year stay at Lotus.

Ferrari announced on Tuesday morning that Raikkonen would leave the team at the end of 2018 and shortly after Sauber revealed that it had secured the Finn's services through 2020.

“Signing Kimi Räikkönen as our driver represents an important pillar of our project, and brings us closer to our target of making significant progress as a team in the near future," said Sauber team boss Frederic Vasseur.

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"Kimi’s undoubted talent and immense experience in Formula One will not only contribute to the development of our car, but will also accelerate the growth and development of our team as a whole.

"Together, we will start the 2019 season with a strong foundation, driven by the determination to fight for results that count."

Sauber has enjoyed an upturn in form this season and holds ninth place in the Constructors' Championship, taking regular points finishes and a handful of Q3 appearances.

Charles Leclerc will take Raikkonen's seat at Ferrari for 2019.

Sauber has yet to confirm the identity of Raikkonen's team-mate.