Solberg: Raikkonen has top five potential

Petter Solberg believes that should Kimi Raikkonen commit to a full WRC season in 2010 he would adapt quickly to the sport and could challenge for top five finishes before the end of the year.

Solberg, who won the World Rally Championship in 2003, has a unique perspective on the Finn's potential, having this year driven both a Ferrari F1 car at the Fiorano test track in Italy and a C4 World Rally Car - the car Raikkonen is expected to drive - on two rounds of the WRC.

Talking exclusively to wrc.com, Solberg ruled out a WRC victory for Raikkonen next year but felt his F1 championship winning background would stand him in good stead.

"With the proper practise planning and testing I think he will adapt quickly," said Solberg. "He's a very, very good driver, and once he's learned the basics, like how to work with pace notes, I think he will surprise many people. We've already seen how quick he was in Finland in a Super 2000 car, and if he's in a decent World Rally Car next season I think he could finish between third and fifth on some rallies. The fact is, if you can drive, you can drive."

Solberg is confident Raikkonen would cope well with the transition from his 2009 season Ferrari F60 car to a four-wheel drive World Rally Car. "This year I've driven a Formula 1 car and a Le Mans car and it's the same as rallying; you have to attack and push," explained Solberg. "You have to be on the case and you need some balls. I think it’s all about understanding how to push and Kimi has proved he can do that."

Raikkonen is widely expected to drive a Citroen C4 WRC in 2010, a car which - along with the Ford Focus RS WRC - Solberg rates highly. "Both the C4 and the Ford work very well are quite easy to drive," he said. "They are both consistent, predictable handling cars that do the correct thing - just in slightly different ways. I think he could adapt very quickly to either of them."

Asked what advice he would offer Raikkonen before his first stage, Solberg said: "Just nail it."