Rookie Raikkonen on parole.

Formula One newcomer Kimi Raikkonen has apparently been given four races to prove his ability in the top flight, or else face time in the junior ranks.

Much has been made about the Finn's rapid elevation to grands prix, following just 23 car races since graduating from karting and no experience of racing in either Formula Three of F3000. Several drivers already established in F1 have spoken out against the decision to grant Raikkonen a superlicence - although there have been notable supporters of his rise - and the FIA have now taken note of these objections and placed the British FRenault champion under its watchful gaze until the San Marino GP in April.

Should he prove that he is capable of matching his impressive testing pace under race conditions, and avoid the accidents that others believe he will become involved in, then Raikkonen will be granted a licence for the rest of the year and beyond.