Lotus team owner Gerard Lopez reveals that previous attempts to secure Kimi Raikkonen's services faltered due to wage concerns but the driver is now keen to race.

The Finn was the fastest driver on the first day of testing in Jerez and Lopez is ecstatic at having the 'Iceman' back on his team. But the negotiations to secure the Finn's services did carry on for a long time and it was rumoured that Raikkonen's financial demands were a stumbling block in the process.

After a two year break to drive in the World Rally Championships and in Nascar, the former world champion is back in Formula 1 with Lotus.

"We had some contact with Kimi in 2010," revealed Lopez, according to Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper.

But after the talks became public knowledge, Raikkonen decided not to pursue the matter any further.

"I think (in 2010) he was still enjoying the challenge of rallying, giving the impression that he wanted to do it and F1 at the same time," said Lopez.

"This time everything was different," he said. "I can assure you that Kimi came back because he wanted to race and that money was a side issue."

In in interview with Sky Sports, Raikkonen revealed that he was happy to be back on the track and despite the long break, he was confident that he wouldn't have many difficulties. 

"To be honest it never entered my mind that I could have lost it. I knew when I drove the old car in Valencia that I would be okay. I could feel it immediately," he said.

"Of course there isn't 100 percent certainty, but it is coming close to that."

Raikkonen will have an opportunity to see if he can return to winning ways in the first race which takes place in Melbourne on March 18.