Monday, April 12, 2010

Interview with Kimi Räikkönen from Russian Web-Site


Q: Kimi is it true you had a car from Russia?

Kimi: Yes, Lada was my first car after I got my licence. Parents had several of those, but I got my from a family friend. Engine didn't work, but I restored it.It was a good car. Main thing that time was to get from one place to another and she did it. Brakes weren't absolutely Ok, but good enough for the first car. I sold it later to one of the friends.

Q: Do you have a dream car? Mikko spends a lot of time restoring his Rally Ford Escort

Kimi: Don't think I can point anything special. I like different cars - both sportscars and old cars. Would be strange to mark one particular.

Q: Rally - is it entertainment or result matters?

Kimi: Both. Of course, I am doing my best to archive a good result, but there still a lot to learn. It's not only the driving style that matters, but a lot of other factors. I am trying to get used to it.Most difficult thing - to make a good legend/notes. I have to work a lot with the co-drivers and he helps me.

Q: Why did you choose Kaj? Because he worked with Tommi Mäkinen

Kimi: Yes, it was important. I had known Tommi, and when I wanted to try Rally it was his company that prepared a car for me.Kaj's help is very useful. We met each other several years ago in Monaco. I think in 2006. we were joking that time that would do it together (rally) at some point. He is trying to teach me everything he knows. His help is priceless.

Q: You had a chance to ride with Sebastien Loeb...

Kimi: Yes, Citroen's drivers help me. To have a ride with such driver is veru good opportunity to learn a thing. It was a very good experiment, I learnt a lot new fo myself.

Q: Formula 1 experience, does it help?

Kimi: If only on tarmac. Rally that I did in the baginning of the season (Sweden and Mexico) were very difficult. Nothing common with F1. Conditions are different from turn to turn. One need different philosophy here.

Q: In F1 you always need to drive on the edge, pushing to maximum (tyres, brakes). But in rally you need some reserves and taking less risk - not to crush the car. Is it the reason of your crushes ealrier?

Kimi: Not, not at all. I just didn't listen to co-driver and was entering the turn with the higher speed that it was needed. In Mexico I braked to late, we hit the roadside and rolled over.

Q: In the end of the season there will be some rallies on tarmac, can we count on your progress?

Kimi: Yes, it will be a little bit easier on tarmac, but it is important to think not about the result now, but the progress. This is the target.

Q: When you were a boy, did you wnat to be a champioin in F1 or Rally?

Kimi: Both. I archive one, so still to do the second. Will see. It's only the beginning of the way, and I am ready to work hard.

Q: They say you could replace Mark Webber next year in Red Bull?

Kimi: I for the next year - neither in Rally nor in F1. It is too early to to talk about what will happen. have no contract

Q: You often said that you loved F1 of 70s (James Hunt era) more..

Kimi: Yes, it was a different F1 - without huge budgets and global brands. More relaxed, more open. But this happens with any kind of sport. Big companies bring big money. The other side of the coin/medal - everything is getting more complicated and more tense. I really like F1 of 70s more.

Q: Why you didn't come to Bahrain, where almost all alive champions gathered?

Kimi: I was busy with the rally test and couldn't go to Bahrain. I think only about rally these days.

Q: What do you think about your future? What will you be doing, let's say, when you arer 60? Still be in sport or buy yourself a house at the lake and will be fishing?

Kimi: I don't know what I will be doing next year and you are asking when I am 60... It's not the time to think about it yet, I have no idea what I will be doing. Main thing - health.I understand that there will be a point when I have to stop racing. Let alone at 60. If nothing happens I think I will stay at racing. My whole life is connected to races. This period of life can't just disappear...

Courtesy: Denorth @F1Racing

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