Raikkonen to test for Sauber F1 in Abu Dhabi

Kimi Raikkonen will test with Sauber in Abu Dhabi next week ahead of his move to the Formula 1 team in the 2019 season.

Raikkonen will join Sauber for 2019 after a five-season stint at Ferrari that has seen him take one grand prix victory, coming at last month's United States Grand Prix.

Sauber was known to be pushing to try and secure Raikkonen for an early first running in Abu Dhabi at the two-day tyre test following Sunday's race at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Asked by Crash.net on Friday in Abu Dhabi if Raikkonen would be testing for Sauber, Vasseur said: "Yes, he will test next week."

It will mark Raikkonen's first outing for Sauber since the 2001 Japanese Grand Prix. Raikkonen raced for Sauber through his debut F1 season prior to joining McLaren for the 2002 campaign.

Raikkonen is one of a number of drivers who will be switching teams for the Abu Dhabi test, with Raikkonen's replacement, Charles Leclerc, set to enjoy a run-out with Ferrari.

Pierre Gasly is due to test with Red Bull, with Daniil Kvyat making his return to Toro Rosso, while Lance Stroll is also set to complete running with Force India ahead of his anticipated move.

McLaren confirmed on Thursday that Carlos Sainz Jr. would also be making an early maiden appearance with the team in Abu Dhabi, having secured his early release from Renault.