The break in June came and went. We chilled out a bit and did some work too.It was a good break. Now it feels like starting a new season again.
At this point we go to tarmac. It doesn't help that I have been hammering tracks all my life. Driving rally on tarmac is a completely different deal than driving on the track.
Somehow it just feels more familiar to me. There's more grip even though it changes all the time. I've been waiting for a tarmac rally and here it is now.
It's a fact but it's also a fact that the lead goes fast whether it's gravel or tarmac.
After Portugal I drove one rally in Italy and tested for two days in France.
That Italian small rally served it's purpose well. It was my first tarmac rally with a WRC-car and I was pleased with the result. We found the speed immediately, got some touch into the car and to the right racing circumstances. It was important that we could practice notes and making them on tarmac.
Then we also had a good test. Everything worked. I got a lot more self-confidence and touch in the car. The feelings were best so far.
The grip is more even on tarmac but when you cut the corners with a rally car the grip changes all the time. It's the same on all surfaces.
Turkey was the first new place for everybody and we did well. It has been my best rally so far. Bulgaria is also a new place for everybody just like Turkey was. It probably helps us a little but let's just keep the goals the same.
First we have to get to the chequered flag and feel better that the car is mine.
Let's see after that what the result is.
It would be important to find a good rhythm right from the first stage. The dudes in the lead already have the experience in the back of their head so they will immediately go fast. The routine comes only after we have had enough rally kilometers.
I can tell you that much that it's fun. I have the feeling that I'm learning more all the time. After Bulgaria the tests for Jyskälä starts. And then we drive our home race. These are the highlights of the season.
At this time of year drivers are taken and brought into every place in the rumour mills. The circus is the same in F1 as it is in WRC too. I don't stress about them at all. We make decisions when it's time for it. I guess I will be driving somewhere next year too....
Source: kimiraikkonen.com
Courtesy: Nicole
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