KIMI GOES WINDOW SHOPPING IN JAPAN

There are some places that are obviously cut out for go-karts: racing circuits for instance. Then there are other places that are maybe less obvious as motorsport venues, such as shopping malls

But this didn’t stop Kimi Räikkönen – a man who prides himself on being willing to race anything, anywhere – from giving it a go.

The occasion was another Red Bull Challenge just before the start of Rally Japan, which gave Kimi the chance to sample an electric go-kart in a shopping centre near the famous Sapporo Dome. Anybody who associates electric power with more mundane shopping carts, milkfloats and Sinclair C5s needs to think again.

This state-of-the-art Japanese kart is capable of speeds in excess of 120kph, with a straight line of torque meaning that it accelerates like a space shuttle. Dodging shoe shops, cash machines and even an indoor water feature, Kimi set a spellbinding lap time over an improvised circuit that must have reminded him slightly of the Monaco Grand Prix in miniature (minus Casino and ladies carrying poodles, obviously).

All those who attempted to beat Kimi’s benchmark went away disappointed, including Japan’s top rally driver (and former Production Car World Rally Champion) Toshi Arai. “Is that really the time Kimi did?” said poor Toshi in disbelief, after giving it his all and failing.

So despite not having taken part in a race for the best part of a year, ‘The Iceman’ still has what it takes on a circuit. And he also remains a monumental hero in Japan, as the thousands of screaming fans outside the shopping centre proved.

'RACING IN A SHOPPING CENTRE IS DEFINITELY COMPLETELY NEW TO ME…' – KIMI RÄIKKÖNEN

Some of their accessories were unusual to say the least. One man carried a loud hailer, through which he would sporadically shout ‘Kimi!’ – drowning out everyone else. Another girl carried a large white inflatable plastic hand with ‘Räikkönen’ written on it. And nearly all of the really dedicated fans were naturally equipped with Finnish flags.

As Kimi raced around the shopping mall, getting faster and faster, the army of dedicated supporters worked themselves up into a frenzy of excitement that even the Ferrari tifosi would struggle to match. No wonder Kimi says that he doesn’t miss Formula One.

“It was good fun,” commented Kimi afterwards. “I always like being in a go-kart and although I’ve raced in a few places around the world, racing in a shopping centre is definitely completely new to me…”

After such a promising start to Rally Japan, things didn’t go quite according to plan during the shakedown on Thursday morning, when Kimi interfaced with a concrete barrier. But the problem was soon fixed and Kimi ended the second run through the superspecial stage on Thursday evening with a second-fastest stage time, putting him fifth overall after the opening two stages – one place ahead of six-time World Champion Sébastien Loeb.

Admittedly this may not remain the case over the next 24 stages of Rally Japan, but a result is a result, whenever and however it is achieved. Kimi said that the shakedown crunch wasn’t going to slow him down in Japan – and on the face of the evidence so far, he was certainly right.

Source: Red Bull