Kimi Raikkonen has made massive progress as he returns to a World Rally Championship event for the first time in a World Rally Car, according to his co-driver Kaj Lindtsrom.
Raikkonen finished last year's Rally Sweden in 29th position after going off the road early in the event. At the midpoint on the opening day today, the former Formula 1 champion is 10th and ahead of factory Ford driver Khalid al Qassimi.
"We had one spin this morning, but otherwise this morning was good," said Lindstrom. "We have done almost a full season since last time we were here so, of course, there has been a lot of progress – it's good. We only had one day of testing, but we're getting there."
Lindstrom admitted that, like the rest of the field, Raikkonen had found the lack of grip on offer from the Michelin tires tough to handle.
"This tire is new," said the Finn. "It works on the icy surface but it doesn't work as well as last year's [Pirelli] tire did in the loose snow. It's difficult for everybody. This afternoon we are looking for a clean run without even one spin."