Heikki Kovalainen to replace Kimi Raikkonen

Heikki Kovalainen of Finland and Caterham arrives in the paddock before the final practice session prior to qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on August 24, 2013
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Heikki Kovalainen will take over Kimi Raikkonen's Lotus Renault for the final two races of the Formula 1 season.

Heikki Kovalainen is reportedly in line to replace fellow countryman Kimi Raikkonen at the wheel of a Lotus Renault machine for the final two races of the season.

The Oxfordshire-based team have been left with a seat to fill after it was announced that a back injury will keep Ferrari-bound Raikkonen out of races in the United States and Brazil.

According to Finland's F1 broadcaster MTV3, Lotus will turn to their former driver, who raced for Caterham last season, as they battle it out for second place in the constructors' championship.

Raikkonen, who will replace Felipe Massa as Fernando Alonso's teammate next season, is due to have an operation on his back.

Nico Hulkenberg of Germany and Sauber F1 walks in the paddock before the Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on August 25, 2013
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