Räikkönen begins tests in Spain

The Formula One season is ramping up once again, and these are the first snaps to emerge of Kimi Räikkönen's return.

The Finn was pictured testing a 2010-spec Renault R30 at Valencia yesterday, completing the first of a two-day run ahead of his season debut later this year.

So what where his first impressions after a two-year absence? "There is a lot to get used to," he said, somewhat obviously. "Knowing when to turn, brake and when to get on the power didn't take long at all. Hopefully we'll be fast straight away and it's going to be an interesting season."

Kimi Räikkönen tests in Valencia

An interesting season indeed. Kimi brings with him a career record of 16 pole positions, 18 wins, and 62 podium finishes, and it means six F1 world champions will line up on the 2012 grid (Vettel, Button, Hamilton, Kimi, Alonso and Schuey).

It should hopefully mean less of a procession for the young German who also heads up our Top Gear F1 leaderboard.

Gallery: every single F1 champ in history

Hit the gallery link for more pics of the Return Of The Iceman, and give us your early season tips for the 2012 champion in the handy space below...