Formula One: Injured Raikkonen confirmed for Singapore GP

SINGAPORE - Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen has been confirmed for the Singapore Grand Prix after intense physiotherapy helped keep a painful back injury under control, a team spokesman said Sunday.

The Finn left the track straight after Saturday's qualifying session for treatment with his personal physio following the flare-up, which stems from a testing crash in 2001.

Raikkonen, who could only qualify 13th as he battled the injury, had vowed to take part in Sunday's race. And Lotus confirmed he was set to drive after there was no deterioration overnight.

"I don't think it's magically gone away but he's happy to start the race," the spokesman told AFP ahead of the race, which starts at 8:00 pm (1200 GMT).

Raikkonen's injury had sparked speculation of further problems with the team, which he is quitting for Ferrari, after the Finn claimed a row over money prompted his departure.

The 2007 world champion remains technically capable of winning this year's title, although he is 88 points adrift of front-runner Sebastian Vettel with seven races remaining.