London, Jan 30 : Finnish F1 star Kimi Raikkonen has said he is convinced his Lotus can mount a serious challenge to the Formula One world title in 2013.

Raikkonen gave the Enstone-based team their first victory since 2008 - when they were formerly known as Renault - in November when he took the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi, reports the Mirror.

Raikkonen was on the podium at six other races en route to finishing third in the drivers'' standings behind triple-world champion Sebastian Vettel in his Red Bull and Ferrari''s Fernando Alonso.

After unveiling Lotus'' new car, the E21, Raikkonen said he sees no reason why he cannot add to his 2007 title, and give the factory at Enstone its first crown since 2006.

Raikkonen said he feels the team has what it takes to win a championship. He said it is clear from working with the team that they are racers, and their history shows that they have won championships.

Team principal Eric Boullier, however, also believes the experience of their glorious past could stand them in good stead. Boullier said the leap they made from 2011 to 2012 showed what they are capable of.

He said their ambitious plan to turn themselves into one of the top teams in Formula One is coming to fruition.

He added that Enstone knows how to win championships, but it is a while since they have won, so they are very eager to taste glory again. (ANI)