Kimi Raikkonen can make it a podium Finnish in Japan

Kimi Raikkonen may be set for a return to the colours of Ferrari next season, but you could be left seeing red a little earlier than that if you fail to back the Finn for a podium place in Japan.

A second-place finish at the Korea International Circuit last time out showcased just why the former World Champion is one of the hottest properties in Formula One at present, having agreed to rejoin the Italian constructors for the 2013-14 campaign.

The Finn is priced at 11/10 to finish on the podium at Suzuka this weekend and it would take a brave man to bet against the 33-year-old repeating the feat again here.

Raikkonen has been something of a mainstay on the podium this season, with a top three finish achieved in each of the previous two Grand Prix.

All in all, the Lotus man has achieved a respectable eight podium places over the 14 races completed this term and there’s every reason to think that number nine could arrive in Japan, given that he has won twice on this track during his illustrious career.

The Finn’s teammate Romain Grosjean, meanwhile, remains a real prospect for a podium position after impressing in Korea, where he finished third and can be backed at 11/4 for a top-three finish.

Both the Lotus boys head into this race bang in form, making the team an outside shot to be ranked as the highest scoring constructors at the Japanese Grand Prix at the rather tempting price of 5/1, given the shift put in last weekend.

And in a alternative reality where runaway Championship leader Sebastian Vettel is ignored, Raikkonen looks a prime candidate for victory, with odds of 7/2 available on the Finn coming out on top in betting without the German.

The title race may be a forgone conclusion, but a nice Finnish in Japan could bring a smile to the face this weekend.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim three £10 free bets when you bet £10