Heikki Kovalainen is set to replace Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus for the final two races of the 2013 season.

According to MTV Sport in Finland, Kovalainen will be completing the season for Lotus since Raikkonen will be missing the Austin and Brazilian races for a back surgery.

Earlier today, news emerged that Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg turned down an offer to finish the season off with Lotus. It was then expected that Lotus’ reserve driver, 2012 GP2 champion Davide Valsecchi would fill in for Raikkonen but with Lotus trying desperately to improve their standings in the Constructors’ Championship, it would seem that they’re going for the more experienced driver.

Lotus Team Principal Eric Boullier told the Italian blog website blogf1.it, “We are fighting for third place in the constructors’ championship and we need a pilot experience, used to struggle to gain placements in the points. I’m not saying that David does not deserve a chance, because he did a great job and we are pleased him, but pays the lack of experience.”

It would make a lot of sense for Lotus make use of the experienced Kovalainen as he has experience with the current cars and tyres having driven for Caterham from 2010 – 2012, and has also been doing Friday Free Practice work for them.

We await official confirmation from the Lotus team as to whether Kovalainen will in fact be racing for them or not, but according to sources inside the Enstone team, an announcement is imminent.