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Posted: Wednesday February 8, 2012 1:36AM ; Updated: Wednesday February 8, 2012 1:36AM

Raikkonen marks F1 return with fastest test session

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JEREZ, Spain (AP) -- Kimi Raikkonen's Formula One comeback with Lotus started perfectly when the former world champion was fastest on the first day of preseason testing.

The Finnish driver and 2007 F1 champion marked his first official ride since the end of 2009 with a lap time of 1 minute, 19.670 seconds at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain on Tuesday.

Raikkonen edged Force India's Paul di Resta and Nico Rosberg of Mercedes, with constructors' champion Red Bull beginning its campaign with a fourth-place run by Mark Webber, who trailed Raikkonen by more than eight-tenths of a second.

McLaren driver Jenson Button was eighth ahead of Felipe Massa of Ferrari, while Spanish outfit HRT ran on the first test day for the first time in its third season on the grid.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 
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