Kimi: Welcome back!

The evening in Melbourne has darkened. The paddock in Albert Park empties and the last containers are shipped to the airport and from there to Malaysia

Finland got their first WC-points since Brazil 2009 when Kimi was 6th with Ferrari. Now he got 7th position and 6 points with Lotus.

I think that the Finnish iceman seems to have made an icy and good comeback, when keeping in mind the end result of poor qualification and strong race performance.

When I walk around the paddock, the first thing they usually ask me is how Kimi is doing. Now I reply in the same way and ask what these interested in Kimi think of his first GP in two years.

Stefano Domenicali almost starts to reply before even hearing my questions.

– It felt really good to see Kimi back racing. We met on Saturday and I sort of joked by thanking him for giving us some leverage in qualification, since he could have been ahead of us.

– I am happy that Kimi is back. I am assured that once he gets a little more races under his belt his race performances will become stronger and stronger, Domenicali smiled while holding the microphone in his shivering hand.

Certain feelings could probably not have been avoided when Räikkönen overtook his former team mate Felipe Massa in his Ferrari.

I asked Felipe Massa how it felt to race against Kimi.

– You probably liked it...? To me it was the same as if I would have raced against any other driver. It's all the same if it's an old team mate like Michael or Kimi, I race, Massa stated obviously annoyed.

Next stop was Sauber's garage. Kamui Kobayashi overtook Räikkönen the last time they met in Abu Dhabi 2009 and now they met even tighter. Overtakings happened on both sides. In the end Sauber finished the race ahead of Lotus as 6th.

What was it like to battle with Kimi?

– This was a replay of Abu Dhabi. It's great to race with Kimi because he is a very fair opponent. The end was easy though. It wasn't difficult to keep him behind.

– Our cars touched one time. I tried to overtake Massa but there wasn't enough space, and when I gave up Kimi came there and the accident happened. We are here to race. In this race Kimi was the opponent I battled most with, Kobayashi said.

Peter Sauber lit a thick cigar after the team scored good points.

What kind of memories does racing against Kimi bring to a team manager who once brought the 21-year old rookie to this track to race?

– Time has made memories golden. I am really happy that Kimi drives in F1 again. The fact that he happened to battle with our car and Kamui was practically thrilling. Totally genuine racing when two racing drivers like those two are up against each other.

Was it still the same Kimi who Sauber remembers?

.– No, this Kimi was too much for us during the last two laps, Sauber laughed and grabbed my shoulder.

Alan Permane said that the opening points were welcomed in Lotus-team.

– We expected Kimi to climb up to points but the end result was even better than we calculated beforehand. The car was better than 17th grid, so next time we hopefully get the qualification to hit both our drivers, track engineer Alan Permane summed up the team's feelings.

What about Kimi then?

– It went somehow. It was cool to race, Räikkönen said before all press conferences.

The word is free under these circumstances. What do you think about Räikkönen's racing or about the opinions of those who followed it from close?

Courtesy: Nicole

Kimi Räikkönen is a king - "he can buy the Guggenheim-museum into his garage if he wants to

F1-season's first GP takes place on Sunday morning. Urheilulehti's editor Esko Seppänen dedicates his column to motorsport for the first time.

I guess I have to admit it.

I follow F1 from MTV3 MAX.

Hence I don't practice ”place your political party's book in the middle of a porn magazine so that nobody sees it" -kind of hiding, I follow F1 completely in the open and without any shame after a sabbatical of 13 years.

***

I don't understand a thing about the genre.

Actually I don't even understand why it's allowed to even glorify and practice a circus like that in year 2012 when the oil barrel is empty and gasoline costs over 10 FIM per liter.

A F1-car uses during one lap about 4 liters of fuel and they drive quite many laps during the season. Actually I'm quite sure that the team's private jets are the kind where you can hold the cars running, tyres warm and KERS hot. That way you can get the consumption into new records when driving inside an airplane that is up in the air.

But that's not the point of this column, to sum it up in two words it's Kimi Räikkönen.

I returned back to F1-broadcasting just because I think that Kimi is:

A) This nation's only really big player in the scale of the whole world.

and

B) A great man.

***

Kimi is the greatest of all men firstly because he has mastered one thing better than any other Finnish sportsman has mastered during his whole career.

Kimi has said the word "no" often enough - always depending upon the situation.

He has never sold himself too cheap, instead he has negotiated the most juiciest driver-contracts in F1-business into his own pockets. At Ferrari he earned at best 41,5 million euros per year. Now he earns - straight after playing with rally and partying with the Duudsons - about 12 million euros according to reports. Salary drop? Perhaps. But one thing is sure, nobody else could have come out of the woods and got himself a similar cardboard like Kimi did.

Kimi also could say ”no” to MTV3. They had some kind of an agreement that Kimi would give MTV3 all his most important interviews quickly, efficiently and in a good co-operation.

Shit, Kimi thought.

They didn't get him to get interested at all about what others think of him. If he isn't interested in chatting, then he doesn't chat - no, not even if the contract had these and those kind of flourishing phrases. Because of this MTV3 put later on all their eggs in the same basket with Heikki Kovalainen.

***

Yeah, Heikki.

He doesn't even have an ounce of the attraction that would make me wake up in the middle of the night to watch cars driving somewhere in the Australian coast. Heikki's sportman's personality doesn't offer even one reason for this. He has been forced into a mold. He can smile when asked. He can say the right words in the commercials. I can't say anything about driver-Heikki. I can only look at the statistics to see that he has won 1 out of his 90 races. Hence the winning percentage is 1,11.

When thinking of that I think Heikki has everything just a little bit too well. Or is Heikki this positive only in the media? What is he really like as a racing sportsman?

No clue. I have never been closer to a F1-paddock more than 300 km.

***

But I'm sure of this thing: In a similar situation Kimi would be filled with fire and fierce. He would stuck the double diffuser down the mechanic's throat if things wouldn't start to go forward. He would do his everything for a victory and also show it outwards genuinely.

And that's why there's that something in Kimi.

Yet he is all the time barked at and belittled.

Why?

(Well think for a moment why....)

Answer: Envy!

Envy is more common in Finland than gum infection.

Let's go through the reasons why it's too easy to be envious of Kimi.

1. It's easy for academical people to point the finger at Kimi saying "what has that brat even achieved". He can't even speak English or praise his home country in interviews.

2. Sport people might say that F1-cruising isn't a sport or that Kimi won his WDC only because others sensationally screwed up their last races.

3. Kimi is one hell of a rich man. He buys toys that the rest of us even can't draw. He goes to parties that we never see pictures of. He lives a life that for the rest of us is a movie.

***

Let's take a closer look at money.

I will bring some more perspective about the amount of euros that Kimi has DESERVED/EARNED.

Not out of pity, not in vain, because of his work and based upon his contract.

A) As I stated Kimi earned according to reports about 41,5 million euros during his Ferrari-season. Kimi would only have to work 3,5 years more and then he could buy the Guggenheim-museum to his car garage, the museum that is planned to be built in Helsinki..

B) Kimi could buy with this year's salary a new iPad to each person living in Hamina.

C) Kimi could with his earning buy ridiculously overpriced WC-tickets from Kalervo Kummola to the Leijona-games, all and all 77.419 by the cheapest price category. This means six (6) sold out Hartwall Arenas. Maybe Kimi should call Kalervo? Then again, these really rich people don't have to pay for their WC-tickets. I guess they still have on Areena's yard an own parking space for Räikkönen's VIP-visits. I won't even start.... (quick sigh...)

D) URHOtv raised prices when it was time for the final games. 15 euros per net-broadcasting sounds like a hard price. Kimi could watch 800.000 games from URHOtv in a row with his salary. Advice to Kimi: don't watch. They are playing out of pity at the moment. The real games begin next Thursday.

E) Kimi earns during one day the same amount an average Finn earns during one year.

***

I have sometimes tried to be envious of Kimi. Or at least tried to undermine his achievements.

I have cursed how this car mechanic has the balls to attend a wedding wearing jeans.

Fortunately I quickly realized what it is about Kimi that is really enviable.

He has the guts to be himself in the world's brightest spotlight. If he was taking a shit and didn't because of that go to some celebration, then he also has the guts to say it out loud. Whether it's socially acceptable or not. That doesn't interest Kimi.

Kimi is not paid to have his back washed in the name of journalism, he is paid to win WC-points to his team.

I guess that you or me could not turn your back to everything else except racing when you are surrounded by all the treats in the world. Could you be able not to jump to the tune of PR-people or lick to the tune of every possible sponsor? I doubt.

Kimi has balls to be:

A) poorly educated

B) nonacademic

C) blurting

D) his own trade school -self under the toughest imaginable pressure.

He doesn't bow to anything else except winning. He came back to F1 because he wants to race with the dude beside him. Kimi wants to eat his enemy alive.

It doesn't fascinate me that Kimi has money. Nor does the fact that he has sometimes won the WC-belt either.

What is intriguing here and now is the hunger for victory.

***

Nothing else than Kimi's absolute genuinity opens up my tv at dawn on Sunday. There was a time when F1 became some sort of a substitute of a church for Finns. The mandatory confession by the altar of commercial money, Matti Kyllönen (commentator), Mika Häkkinen, motor noise and most and foremost the Finnish success.

For myself the F1-circus is something a lot more simpler. It's the same as Kimi Räikkönen.

Kimi is like the fishing buddy from earlier years, someone with who it was fun to go and fish once in a month in the nearby creek.

And now when this same dude gets with the same spinners the ocean's biggest catch, should we here in the land of small puddles really turn envious?

Or could we admit out loud that after all Kimi is one of us - with the only difference that he has balls to be himself other than when he is drunk?

Kimi doesn't explain, hem and haw.

His work is to drive a F1-car on Sundays, he doesn't do it for free and the only justification to step in the cockpit is victory.

Because of this reason Kimi has placed F1 back on my sport map.

Courtesy of mikael and Nicole

Matti Kyllönen: "I don't know where Kimi's genes come from"

Veteran reporter believes in Kimi Räikkönen's driving skills

Matti Kyllönen relies on Kimi Räikkönen, even though the Finn spent two previous years in rally.

- For Räikkönen rally series was certainly an educational and a great experience. But his rally driving on rally roads was fumbling from the beginning, because track racing is Kimi's thing. Something tells the fact that he returned after two years break to the top of formula racing.

Kyllönen's believe in the Finn is not shaken even by the fact that the championship driver Michael Schumacher has failed to rise to anywhere near to former glory after his return.

- Kimi has come back to F1 with greater passion than "Schumi". In addition, Schumacher was away for three years and Kimi two. There is a big difference, he points out.

Kyllönen admires Räikkönen's courageous decisions to at first to leave formula racing, then to driving rally and then again a cool return to F1.

- I do not know where Kimi's genes come from, as in Kimi culminates Finnish guts, determination and stubbornness. Kimi is a man who dares to seize the moment and he has done it again. Kimi knows that now there is no other option but to succeed, and he is ready to do everything for it.

Kyllönen does not think it is impossible at all that in the future, after a season with Lotus, Raikkonen would sit behind the wheel of a top car.

- Kimi's contract has an option after the coming season. If Kimi surprises all, he is back on driver markets to top teams. I believe Kimi will end up behind the wheel of Red Bull, says Kyllönen referring to last season's top team.

UT

Source: Iltalehti
Courtesy: reppo

Räikkönen feeling good as he gets used to being back in F1 car

Kimi Räikkönen feels 'very positive' after two days re-acclimatising to Formula One in Valencia this week.

After two years away from F1, with Räikkönen primarily competing in the World Rally Championship, the Finn is poised to make a return with Lotus this year.

But as Raikkonen had not driven an F1 car since quitting the sport at the end of the 2009 season, the team decided it would be in his best interests to get some running under his belt.

That saw 2007 world champion Raikkonen run in a two-year-old car and on Pirelli demonstration tyres at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit.

With the first pre-season test in Jerez a fortnight away, the 32- year-old has no doubts he is back up to speed after completing 171 laps and 666 kilometres overall.

'Overall the two days have been helped me a lot,' said Räikkönen.

'Even though I was using a two year-old car and the demonstration tyres, I learnt about working with the team and engineers which means I can focus on the new car once we get to Jerez for the first official test.

'It was great to be driving an F1 car again, and from that respect I feel very positive.'

Lotus' trackside operations engineer Alan Permane claimed the two days with Räikkönen proved to be 'productive and valuable'.

Source: DailyMail

Kimi is back: to comb the dolls?

From Leo Turrini: January 24, 2012

Another play of drums.

Today the Holy Drinker concludes his Come Back on the track of Valencia.

Did he return to comb the dolls?

However, since this issue affects so many, mainly Abraham Maximo Lider Nuestro, here is a little 'insider trading.

1) The Blond got on Sunday evening a text message of congratulations. Sender: Fernando Alonso.

2) The Blond also got a call from the Domi.

3) Räikkönen said to the former Lotus engineers at Renault that the most important thing for him is to be able to drive a lot with a lot of fuel on board. Up to the end of 2009 F1 allowed fuel-supplies so it's necessary for him to adapt to a different driving style.

4) For Finnish mutual friends the Holy Drinker explained that his new career in F1 'will last at least five seasons'.

5) Kimi has also referred to his medium-term outlook. He wants to get some leverage with Lotus to make it clear to the top teams (obviously excluding Ferrari) that soon he is a changed driver, who in short will be under the banner of 'better use safe instead of a new phony '.

6) The Blond reasonably thinks that the Lotus would get a good result with the car, among the Top 5.

7) My nephew has always been the same, he even ignores the existence of Alonso and Formula One, and he raised a delicate question which I'll quickly summarize. Is Born To Be Mr. Abraham more unknown than Mr. Räikkönen? Is he afraid?

8) Ah, the innocence of children ...

Courtesy: Nicole

KIMI RÄIKKÖNEN: “IT WILL BE NICE TO GET TO RACING"

We have received many questions from fans for Kimi today; we managed to grab him to answer a few of them. We will invite you to send us more questions next time he’s with us!

Kimi, today marked the first time you have been back in the cockpit of a Formula 1 car since 2009. How did it feel?
The last time I was at Enstone I quickly jumped into a seat, but this is indeed the first time I have properly sat in an F1 car with a helmet on since the last race of 2009. It felt a bit odd at first because the cockpit seems a bit small, but that’s normal. It’s just like in the past when I have done seat fittings – it feels a bit strange when you first step into the car but you quickly adjust. It will be nice to get back to racing.

How important is the seat fitting?
It is one of the most important jobs. You spend so much time sitting in the car so the position is really crucial, it needs to be 100% right. I’d rather spend a lot of time getting it right at this time of the year because there are many races in the season and you sit behind the wheel a lot. Getting it right the first time is imperative.

Were you surprised by all the interest your comeback has generated these past few weeks?
There has been quite a bit of noise in the press about my comeback and there have been a lot of rumours. For me, coming back to Formula 1 is a good thing and I hope it will be for the team and the fans also! I love this time of the year at the factory. There’s a real buzz surrounding the new car, every single department is working flat out in order to have everything ready on time. You can really feel people’s dedication and it’s nice to be a part of it.

There have been a lot of comments about your comeback… sometimes really positive and other times a bit more negative
It has no effect on me – sometimes you hear some nonsense and sometimes you hear nice things. The main thing is that coming back is what I wanted and I have a good opportunity with the team so I’m happy. I have never really looked at what people say or think. I do my own thing and as long as I’m happy with it then that’s the main thing for me.

Source: LotusRenaultGP

Photos: Kimi back behind the wheel

“I have not sat in an F1 car since the last race of the 2009 season” smiled Kimi, as he jumped into the cockpit for his first seat fitting at Enstone today. The Finn was with us all day and, despite a heavy technical programme, took time to answer his fans’ questions.





Source: LotusRenaultGP

KIMI RÄIKKÖNEN: “I CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK BEHIND THE WHEEL”

Kimi, it has been three weeks since you were confirmed as a Lotus Renault GP driver for the 2012 season. How have you found the reaction to your F1 return?
KR: I have been surprised at how big the reaction has been so I guess people must have missed me!

What has been the best moment so far?
KR: Sebastian Vettel’s impersonation of me at the Autosport awards! No, seriously, my two visits to Enstone have been great. The first one, at the team’s Christmas party, made me realise how much support I have there. The second one, last week, allowed me to understand that this team has not been world champion by coincidence. I also saw all the investments they have made recently: new simulator building, CFD upgrade, 60% wind tunnel… It gives me a lot of confidence for the season ahead.

How difficult do you think you will find it coming back?
KR: Let’s put it this way: before my two years of rallying I had nine seasons, 157 races and 18 wins in Formula 1. I know the sport well. When I went to rallying and when I tried NASCAR, there were many new things to learn, but with Formula 1 I feel like I’m coming home. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel.

Do you think it will take you long to get back up to speed?
KR: I hope not! I am more motivated than ever and I don’t think I’ve lost any speed. Getting on top of the tyres will be the hardest thing, of course, but I’m not really worried. Although the technical regulations don’t seem to change much, they apply to a lot of areas and quite a few elements will have to be re-designed. As a result, the cars will be significantly different next year. The order could be shaken up, which will make things very interesting.

What is your schedule in the build-up to testing?
KR: We don’t test the new car until February so it’s a long wait. However, I should be able to jump into a two-year-old F1 car in January. Of course, there will be the usual training, but I will also be working on getting to know the team better and making sure I fully understand all the changes since I have been away.

What are your targets for pre-season testing?
KR: Finding out if we have a fast car! For me, learning how the team works will be another important aspect. Learning Pirelli’s tyres will be the most important job, as it’s a different approach from what I experienced before.

What are your plans over the Christmas break? Have you got anything special arranged?
KR: I am doing a lot of training. The most important area for me is to get my neck strong enough again, especially as it will be put through its paces in testing. Of course, I will also be celebrating Christmas with my family.

Any more snowmobile races planned?
KR: I was surprised by how much attention there was over me falling off a snowmobile. You can watch what happened on YouTube and it was probably the smallest and slowest crash I’ve ever had. It is almost embarrassing! I won a snowmobile race right before the start of the 2007 season and that year didn’t go badly for me so who knows?

Source: LotusRenaultGP

Alonso welcomes back ‘great’ Räikkönen

Fernando Alonso will be pleased to see 2005 rival Kimi Räikkönen returning to F1 next season. After two years out, the Finn makes his comeback with a record of one world title, two overall runner-up spots and 18 Grand Prix victories to his name.

Although Michael Schumacher fought Alonso to the 2006 title, it was Räikkönen who provided the biggest challenge en route to the Spaniard’s maiden crown in 2005 - but losing a significant amount of points through technical problems and penalties.

“I welcome him back because he’s a great driver,” Alonso said at what was his last work commitment of 2011 in Madrid. “He is one of the most talented drivers out there as well as being a World Champion and a nice person, so it will be a pleasure to have him back.

“There is something different about starting a race with Kimi alongside you, rather than any other young driver. Fighting with people like him gives you a greater sense of security.”

Räikkönen and Alonso last shared a front row at the 2008 Spanish Grand Prix, with the latter – then driving for Renault – being beaten to the top spot in qualifying by the Ferrari driver; ironically, the pair will be racing for the respective other team in 2012.

Source: GPUPDATE

Lewis Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger are back together

Now the gruelling F1 season is over Lewis Hamilton has the chance to experience everything he's missed out on this year

The Inbetweeners Movie, Downton Abbey, Mandy coming back to EastEnders, buying himself a pair of red jeans — they are all things he could be familiarising himself with.

But the big loved-up softie has only one thing on his mind — getting back together with Nicole Scherzinger.

The stars are back on after agreeing to give their relationship another go.

And they've planned a series of secret meetings over the next few weeks to rediscover that magic formula. A source said: "It's a struggle to maintain a blossoming relationship during the F1 season.

"Lewis is so busy and in a different country every other week. When they can't see each other they use things like Skype, but that's no substitute for the real thing, "With no F1 distractions, Lewis aims to spend some proper time with Nicole. He can't wait."

Unfortunately for him, Nicole is getting to the business end of judging on the first series of the American X Factor.

The final is just before Christmas so Lewis will have to share her with Simon Cowell until then.

The F1 star put on a brave face after the split in October and they briefly met in LA last month to have a heart-to-heart.

Lewis said: "We still have very, very strong feelings for each other and I still love her very much.

"Who knows, maybe we will be together in the future?

"It was a really positive few days. I came away from LA feeling great and things are getting into perspective."

You can't blame Lewis for wanting to get their future sorted quickly.

Any single woman in the company of US X Factor host Steve Jones doesn't remain untouched for long.

It's just lucky Lewis has a fast car.

Source: The Sun

Video: Kimi Räikkönen back in F1 with LRGP in 2012

Lotus Renault GP is pleased to announce that Kimi Räikkönen will race for the team next season. The 2007 World Champion, who left Formula 1 at the end of 2009 to pursue a career in rallying, has decided to make a comeback at the pinnacle of single-seater racing. He has now signed a two-year agreement with Lotus Renault GP





Source: Youtube

Lotus-Renault will bring Räikkönen back to F1-tracks

Lotus-Renault published on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. Finnish time that they had made a two-year deal with Finnish F1-champion Kimi Räikkönen. This way the crew at Enstone factory ensured that next year there will be driving six world champions in F1.

– I am happy to be back on F1-track after two years. I am grateful to Lotus-Renault for the chance they offered to come back to the racing tracks.

– My time in WRC was a useful experience in my career as a racing driver. But I can't deny that my will to go back to F1-driving had become unbearable, Räikkönen said in the team announcement.

– It was easy to choose Lotus-Renault. It's an ambitious team which wants to develop further. I am waiting with interest to start working with them in order to help them get more up in the F1-serie, Räikkönen said.

Gerard Lopez welcomed the world champion with open arms.

– All this time I have been assured that our team is at the beginning of a new era and we will work hard to get up to the highest level.

– Kimi's decision to come back to the F1-tracks with us, is a first big push for new development steps in order for us to become an even tougher challenger in this sport.

– On behalf of the whole Lotus-Renault personnel I welcome Kimi to the house, Lopez said.

Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole

Kimi Räikkönen back in F1 with LRGP in 2012

Lotus Renault GP is pleased to announce that Kimi Räikkönen will race for the team next season. The 2007 World Champion, who left Formula 1 at the end of 2009 to pursue a career in rallying, has decided to make a comeback at the pinnacle of single-seater racing. He has now signed a two-year agreement with Lotus Renault GP.

Kimi’s F1 roll of honour includes 18 wins, 62 podiums and 16 pole positions. This experience and success is sure to help the team make a step forward next year. The 32-year-old Finn’s commitment indeed makes for a vote of confidence in Lotus Renault GP, demonstrating the team’s determination and new philosophy for the seasons ahead.

Kimi Räikkönen: “I’m delighted to be coming back to Formula 1 after a two-year break, and I’m grateful to Lotus Renault GP for offering me this opportunity. My time in the World Rally Championship has been a useful stage in my career as a driver, but I can’t deny the fact that my hunger for F1 has recently become overwhelming. It was an easy choice to return with Lotus Renault GP as I have been impressed by the scope of the team’s ambition. Now I’m looking forward to playing an important role in pushing the team to the very front of the grid.”

Gérard Lopez, Genii Capital, Chairman: “All year long, we kept saying that our team was at the start of a brand new cycle. Backstage we’ve been working hard to build the foundations of a successful structure and to ensure that we would soon be able to fight at the highest level. Kimi’s decision to come back to Formula 1 with us is the first step of several announcements which should turn us into an even more serious contender in the future. Of course, we are all looking forward to working with a world champion. On behalf of our staff, I’d like to welcome Kimi to Enstone, a setting that has always been known for its human approach to Formula 1.”

Source: Lotus Renault GP

Will Räikkönen come back?

”Well will Kimi Räikkönen come back?”. The question is presented to me more and more often and in the most strangest places and from all different kinds of quarters. And who says that F1 doesn't interest Finns anymore? The greatest thing in the discussions I have had, has been how genuinely they want Räikkönen to come back. A world champion is always a world champion but they also want his disputable personality back. It feels like now Kimi would be left in peace as his own self. The audience would accept it and surely also the team that would hire him.

The comeback would do Räikkönen himself a lot of good and also to the whole sport. One has to keep in mind that the possible F1-operation is completely on Räikkönen's own terms. He isn't doing it for Finns, for the fans in the world or for the sport. He does it for himself.

But I also believe that Räikkönen, who has taken distance and has matured for a couple of years also thinks about the team he would go to. I'm sure that he is willing to give a lot of himself in order to produce results. And much more than before. As a private person and as a professional he knows what he is getting into. Since he doesn't have a winning car at his reach he has a project ahead of him that requires patience. The setting can well be compared to Schumacher: one has to make a clear plan and stick with it. No matter what happens.

”Well does Kimi Räikkönen come back?” I hope he does. Why wouldn't one of the toughest drivers do what they are best at. In order to succeed you have to do what you are good at. Rally is a world of its own and very challenging. But if you have been driving on tarmac all your life then it's best to stay on that surface. And if you want to drive track-racing on a high level, then it's difficult to find another working enviroment as classy as F1.

USA is not the right address. DTM is classy but it's not time for that yet.

I still see that Williams is the only option. Now it's only a matter if the team has been able to convice Räikkönen with their development plans. With all the changes coming on, the next season will be really tough unless they get the car concept to work right from the first winter tests.

Can Williams then offer Räikkönen everything that he wants? The engineering is a department of it's own and financial matters a chapter of it's own. They would have to be able to exploit Räikkönen's comeback in the best possible way. And it's not a question over them collecting his salary. It's only a small part of the project. Development- and operational funding play a far more remarkable role. As a corporation Williams could find a quick solution to Kimi's salary but it doesn't help alone. They also have to be able to exploit Räikkönen's skills and value.

As far as I have understood the carrying out of Räikkönen's comeback rests mostly on Williams' shoulders. But if Kimi really wants to come back then he also has to be really active other than just working out a lot.

”Well will Kimi Räikkönen come back?” Today I believe that he will.

Jukka Mildh

Source: Yle
Courtesy: Nicole

Kovalainen Believes Kimi Is Coming Back to F1

Team Lotus F1-driver Heikki Kovalainen is already expecting Kimi Raikkonen 's return to Formula One.

- "Yes, I would bet that Kimi is coming back. All the signs are pointing to that direction. I have not personally had a chat with Kimi, I have not asked him a straight question, but there are so many stories out there now, that he surely has something on his mind", Kovalainen says to MTV3.

- "It would be a great thing, if Kimi would return here. I'm waiting with interest to see how it starts, when and if he returns. I believe he'll go fast again straight from the get-go. That's one more stump of a tree to try and break. It would be a great thing in every way. I believe Kimi has still a lot give here", Kovalainen says.

Source: MTV3
Courtesy: MomoD

Kimi: The Iceman cometh back!

Courtesy: Sleenster - F1Zone.net

Translation of Kimi interview by Mar

Kimi Räikkonen is not a mystery, regardless of the reputation stating the opposite he has worked hard for. As a matter of fact, he is one of the most natural but misunderstood character in motorsport. The only thing he wants is to win… in the most efficient way. Is there something more logical than that?

But some people make the mistake of confusing lack of communication with lack of motivation when, in reality, truth is the opposite. What it’s regarded as a monosyllabic attitude in life (what incited The Red Bulletin, the paddock magazine, to publish a photographic reportage called “the 12 mood states of Kimi Räikkönen”… where all 12 pictures were identical) is not even true: Kimi has a lot to tell when there is something interesting to say or, what is more important, something it is worth it to answer to.

The bad part of a courtesy conversation is that it does not make sense. Let’s be sincere: truth is that nobody is interested in the weather or how the trip was. And this is just when we talk about normal life: imagine it in the strained environment of F1, where the air releases as much absorption as designer lotions and hidden intentions are everywhere.

Therefore, Kimi prefers to keep a respectable silence about the recent frenzy linking him to several F1 teams… even if he admits his return is possible. But many things are possible, including life in Mars and truth is that there’s nothing agreed for 2012. Kimi Räikkönen’s agenda for next year is empty… at least at the moment

“Truth is that there is nothing at the moment, and it makes no sense to talk until I have something 100% confirmed”, he states with his characteristic sincerity. One of the reasons why Kimi not always says much is because he doesn’t like to lie.

For Kimi’s big disconcertion, rumours are the par of the course in F1. There are two possibilities: you play the game, add fuel to the fire and face the gradual process of believing you’re somebody (special), or you don’t play. But there’s also a third alternative: to say what you think and be above the politicking. Nevertheless, that’s also problematic. The most important thing is that, whatever you say, somebody will try to use it against you sooner or later. It’s better just to focus on the driving, which is of course the only reason why you’re here.

“The bullshit?- Kimi blurts out when he’s asked about the hype of the media- Ha! I suppose, it’s normal; it’s part of the world we live in. They’re always going to write it so, who cares about it? Truth is that I don’t mind what they write, because it can’t be changed. As a matter of fact, if you try to change it, you will only make it worse; therefore, why even make the effort and try to change it? If somebody says “it was not this way, in reality it was that way”, it will only give them more ideas to keep on writing and the snow-ball gets bigger and bigger. But, does it really matter if it’s the truth or not? Nobody cares about that”.

Hypocrisy and unfairness are two of the things that Kimi dislikes the most. The paradox of being a world-wide known person with a huge personal fortune is that the person will be in a very isolated position. It’s difficult to know who you can trust and who is just interested in a bit of boulevard press.

That is one of the reasons- but not the main one- why Kimi changed to the WRC in 2010. “From the beginning, I felt that rally-people are more interested in the sport and whatever happens in the stages and not in making up stupid articles with big headlines outside them- he points out-. In F1, you say something and the press twists it, giving form to a story that says: “Mr. so-and-so said this”… even if it’s simply not true. They usually write more about other things than about the sport. In rallies, it doesn’t happen so often; they have a different way of thinking”.

But Kimi admits, it doesn’t surprise him that people want to know what he is going to do next. After all, he could be the key for the F1 driver market of 2012 (Note, in Spanish it’s not clear if it’s the driver market in 2012 or the driver market that gives the 2012 grid), with so many people unfocussed at the moment thinking in a drive in Red Bull or Ferrari in 2013, not to talk about Mercedes. Kimi doesn’t fall into the trap, but in 2013 he would be a perfect candidate for, both, Red Bull and Mercedes (because they always try to be cooler), but a hypothetical return to his old teams McLaren or Ferrari would be very improbable, not to say impossible. In the mean while, it is not a secret that he has visited Williams, and the situation in Renault is still not clear as Robert Kubica’s recovery continues. That’s supposing Kimi goes somewhere: if he wanted, he could just quit and do nothing, or keep on rallying. Both are very real possibilities.

“There are many different possibilities and, of course, a lot of speculation- he says-. But most of them are quite surprising for me. Look, I could tell you that I’m going to do Nascar and you could tell about it, but, maybe, at the end it doesn’t happen and then it would mean I have been telling bullshit. Or I could say I’m going to do demolition races (Note: what’s that?) and you would not believe me. But maybe, at the end, you would be surprised,… you see? It doesn’t make sense to speculate until there’s something sure, because anything could happen. Being sincere, not even I know yet. Probably some people talk too much when they should focus in other things”.

That’s how Kimi sees it and, you know what? It happens that he’s right. A top driver, famous for his know-how in front of the media, recently stated that he envies Kimi. “He did it right from the beginning, didn’t he?- that driver said-. I wish I could be like Kimi and concentrate only in the driving, without distractions. Some people say he’s stupid, but he knows very well what he does. He is very intelligent”.

If somebody intended to climb the Everest- which, anecdotically, is considered to be the biggest challenge of modern times-, he would not waste time in unnecessary small talk. Moreover, he would not make many conjectures about reaching the top of the mountain or not, until he were close to it. But, nevertheless, many more people have climbed the Everest than people have won the F1 World Championship.

Kimi is one of the 32 people who made it, but under circumstances that even he admits were a bit surreal. We all can remember that 3 drivers arrived to this last race with chances of winning the title, and that Kimi was the first one to win it from the 3rd position in the classification since Giuseppe Farina in 1950. An impressive feat but, paradoxically, it was simple for Kimi because the only thing he had to do was to race and win the race: there was no other condition. And that is the kind of task the Iceman can do best.

“I’m not sure about winning the title as my best memory, but for sure, it is one of the best- he says in quite a surprising manner-. We begun well and had a very hard patch in the middle of the season, but afterwards we improved again and we won. I’m sure, we could have done some things differently, but it was our first year. Even if it was the best car, it took some time to take everything out of it. This happens sometimes: in 2005, our McLaren was also very good, but it would not finish the races…”.

If Kimi comes back to F1, it’s possible that he won’t have the chance of having the best car: not a McLaren or a Ferrari or a Red Bull. But this means, he will have nothing else to think about except driving as fast as possible and show what the car can do: that would motivate, both, him and his team. One of Kimi’s most impressive seasons was his debut year in the underestimated Sauber team; the result was the best ever classification of the team in the constructors championship prior to the entry of BMW.

And if Kimi came back, maybe he would not care about having the best possible material as much as before. “Of course, you always want a winning car, a top car. But, as we could see this season, there’s only one team that has that top car- he says-. It’s not that you can chose or know it. Some teams make a good car one season; other seasons their car is not so good. There are very little differences between a good and a bad car. At the end of the day, you have to accelerate hard”.

Nevertheless, what Kimi values the most is his own freedom. In the moment he feels cornered, it’s over. In 2009, Kimi was the 2nd best paid athlete of the world, behind Tiger Woods, but not even that was enough to keep him in F1once he felt he was being pushed aside (remember how much he dislikes hypocrisy and unfairness). Heading to 2010, he turned down several options, among them a very lucrative one: it is not money what motivates him.

On the other hand, it does motivate him the idea of committing to a completely new challenge… that happen to be rallying. “I simply had the curiosity to know if I could keep it on the road and keep driving- he tells about his decision to go to the WRC-. It is very different to F1. So I had the curiosity to know if I also could do it, because when you see the guys who do it all the time, they make it look easy. Truth is that it’s one of the most difficult things you can do. Each curve is different, even two curves with exactly the same note- like “right two”- can be completely different. If you make a mistake, there is a tree or a rock and not a gravel trap. It is something I wanted to try, but I don’t have to take it so seriously. If it seems to me that I don’t want to do it any longer, I can just leave it right now”. Conclusion: it is even more difficult to win to Sébastien Loeb than Sebastian Vettel.

Kimi got carried away by his desire to roll on the mud when he entered an Abarth Grande Punto S2000 in the 2009 Finland Rally (the car election was imposed by his contract with the Fiat Group) and even managed to appear in the 3rd position of his category before he crashed in a spectacular way. His older brother, Rami, is a rally driver too, so it’s something that it’s in the family. The most difficult thing for Kimi was to get used to the notes. But it is not something to wonder about: when he was racing in F1, Kimi was not one of those drivers who love to get different radio messages all race long: Kimi used to consider them an annoying interference that distracted him from his real driving job. But, to be fair, that is what Kimi thinks about most of the things.

Contrary to the F1, in the WRC tests are allowed during the season. What very few people know is that, during those tests, when the teams run up and down the same road section, Kimi has comfortably been faster than his team mates... and among them are Sébastien Loeb and Sébastien Ogier, the two fastest drivers in the WRC. But it is like this because Kimi knows precisely where he’s heading to and he can rely on his incomparable reflexes instead of being dependent on another person telling him what he has to do.

Benoît Nogier, Kimi’s sport director in the rallies, notices: “with regard to the speed, I would say Kimi is extraordinary. He is not afraid of anything. He has a very instinctive feeling for the car; you can perfectly understand why he is a champion. But there are some areas where he can improve; I think this is normal for somebody with his experience level. In some senses, coming from F1 makes it more difficult, since you arrive with preconceived ideas about how to drive a car. You have to open your mind and begin from scratch again”.

That is something Kimi has always mastered in. In addition to rallying, this year he has tried Nascar and the Peugeot 908 of Le Mans, which, as he explains, was like driving a fishbowl with a lot of power. “I found the Le Mans car interesting but, to be sincere, the steering was a s*** and the windscreen was very weird; it distorted the sight… maybe because it is very rounded- Kimi says-. I can’t imagine how it must be when it is smeared with oil and dirt after racing for a while. But I enjoyed it and the car was good, even if they told me it had less power than in previous years. It had been a very long time I had not driven in a circuit, except for the Nascar races, but those took place in ovals, something totally different”.

Doing something different is what inspires Kimi at the moment: it is the chance to be himself. It doesn’t mean that he has that Casanova live-style some people have wrongly ascribed to him; it is more that, now, he has the chance to enjoy a bit of normality. Is that to much to ask for? For example, it is possible that some might be surprised to know that Kimi’s favourite means of transport is a diesel Volkswagen Caravelle. He uses it much more often than the other more exotic vehicles he owns. But that underlines that appearance and reality are not always coincident: something that should be remembered by those who criticise him without even knowing him.

There’s also been a lot of talk about motivation. You want to know the truth? At the moment, the Finn’s motivation is sky-high: he has quietly intensified his training to be in the best possible conditions and catch whatever chance it’s offered to him. “I like to face different challenges, that’s clear- Kimi adds-. I have a lot of plans, but I don’t like to talk about them, because I’m not sure any of them will materialize”. It is the story of our lives: at the end of the day, the F1 World Champions are not different to the rest of us.

Talking about F1 champions, when Sebastian Vettel won his 18th race at this year’s Italian GP, matching Kimi’s total number, he was asked what it meant for him. He answered it was a nice achievement, but that he suspected that Kimi still had the capability of getting some more victories in F1…

“I don’t know- Kimi says, laughing-. It depends of whatever happens in the future. To begin with, as we said before, in F1 you need a good package. In a s*** (Note: in Spanish it really says s***) car you’re never going to win, even if you drive better than you ever did in your whole life. That is the reality and it is impossible to escape from it”.

Where could Kimi go?

F1 Racing has got to know that Kimi Räikkönen has been weighing up his options to go back to F1; next season at first, but the most probable is for 2013. Regardless of what our sources describe as “Kimi’s huge motivation to return to F1”, it seems that his options for 2012 are much more limited, being Renault and Williams the only two realistic destinations. It is also believed that Kimi doesn’t fancy to go to Toro Rosso. Whatever he decides, Kimi is facing the most complex crossroads in his career.

Red Bull
Kimi sounded out the winning team of the last two seasons about a seat for 2012 but, after Mark Webber’s contract extension, he was told there was not a free seat until 2013.

McLaren
Given his record here, his aversion for PR and his usual anti-corporative behaviour, the Woking squad won’t consider taking back their relationship with Kimi until cows can fly.

Ferrari
Taking into consideration that Ferrari divorced from Kimi one year before the contract ended- and that they kept on paying him-, it looks very improbable that they have any interest in having him back.

Mercedes
Kimi’s managers have talked with Mercedes but, with Michael Schumacher willing to honour his 3rd contract year, he would have to wait until 2013.

Renault
Regarding the teams with resources and able to be on the top, Enstone could be a good option if Kubica’s return is delayed. Another issue would be how much needed of Petrov’s and Senna’s sponsors Renault is. Plus Renault’s and Kimi’s managers had a excited argument last year…

Williams
Williams is short of money and they will probably continue with Pastor Maldonado and his briefcase (of money) next year. Kimi has already visited the team and we understand they have even talked about the PR days he would have to do. Kimi is so willing that it seems he has accepted to do more days than ever.

Force India
Vijay Mallya usually talks about an experienced driver, and they could have a free seat in 2012. Question is if Kimi would be able to be fit enough before the winter tests.

Sauber
The team were Kimi started in F1 keeps playing his role as team where young talents start and, next season, they will continue with their present driver-line: Kobayashi and Pérez.

Toro Rosso
Since Red Bull partially sponsored Kimi’s rallying adventures, it is possible they could get together in F1. But Kimi is not that interested, and moreover, STR is the vehicle for Helmut Marko’s young drivers program.

Lotus, HRT and Virgin
The new teams seem to be the least probable ones where Kimi could search for a seat… even if it’s because his pride. Moreover, they would not be able to pay his cache. On the other hand, he could surprise us all…

Source: F1 Racing - F1Zone.net

Why would Kimi want to come back?

Kimi Räikkönen could still earn more in F1 than anywhere else. IS brings up 5 reasons why Räikkönen could be interested in a comeback.

1. MONEY

Räikkönen is a wealthy man. He wants to drive but he doesn't want to fund his own driving anymore. Yet that is the situation he has got himself into.

Räikkönen has had to pay largely from his own wallet for this year's WRC-rallies. Red Bull's sponsor support has decreased significantly. If he would drive for Williams then he could still get at least 5-10 million euros salary incomes per year. Williams probably tries to make a deal with Räikkönen where the bonus for points is big.

2. MOTIVATION

Many wonder why Räikkönen would want to return to F1 with a car that most likely can't fight for podium positions. Yet he has during the last couple of years got used to the idea that he can enjoy driving although he isn't driving for victory.

Räikkönen could start next season with Williams-Renault without big expectations and take his time to get used to the new tyres, the DRS and other tehcnical novelties. Williams could be a brilliant stepping stone to get into some top team in season 2013.

Mark Webber for example will most likely leave a vacant seat after next season.

3. TEAM

Williams is no longer a top team but it has great traditions and is one of the most successful teams in F1 of all times. The team is strenghtened by McLaren's former head designer Mike Coughlan who is a familiar man to Räikkönen. Of all midteams Williams surely is much more attractive than Force India for example. In addition to that, Williams is aiming for a wide co-operation with Jaguar. According to rumours Williams and Jaguar is about to start a LeMans -project during the next few years and that would surely also interest Räikkönen.

4. AGE

Räikkönen will be 32 years old in three weeks. Michael Schumacher came back to F1 although he is over 10 years older than Räikkönen is.

If Räikkönen wants he still has many racing seasons left, hence why wouldn't he do what he loves and what he knows best? Still a comeback to F1 is harder the more you have been away from it. After being away for two years a successful comeback is still possible.

5. OTHER GENRES

Räikkönen has now seen what WRC is like. When he left Ferrari he still had a dream of winning the title in WRC also, but not anymore. It would require a lot more training and harder work to get to the top in WRC and it might still not succeed.

Räikkönen has also become familiar with Nascar-circles in two races and he has tested Peugeot's Le Mans -car. He would surely be able to squeeze in a clause to the Williams-contract which would ensure that he could still continue rallying as a hobby.

By Janne Aittoniemi

Source: IS (paper edition)
Courtesy: Nicole

Venezuelans will decide if Räikkönen comes back to F1

Kimi Räikkönen intends to come back to F1 in 2012 as Williams driver. Williams want Räikkönen, but it's still up to money if the contract comes through or not. Räikkönen's salary demand is about 10 million dollars and Williams is currently negotiating about funding his salary with the oil company PDVSA from Venezuela.

PDVSA has sponsored Williams this season, where Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado is driving. Maldonado will also drive in Williams next season with the support of PDVSA. PDVSA is willing to fund also Räikkönen's salary but in the end it's up to if the company will get visibility for their money in Williams' activity. This year PDVSA has sponsored Williams with about 24 million dollars but next season the amount of money would be a lot bigger if Räikkönen would come to the team.

Source: Plaza.fi
Courtesy: Nicole

Alonso: I’d like Flavio to return we miss him

Fernando Alonso would like to see Flavio Briatore back in Formula 1 which has further fueled speculation that the controversial Italian millionaire, who led Alonso to two F1 world titles, is on course for a role in the Ferrari team in the near future.

The ‘Mou’ reference is to Jose Mourinho, the highly respected Portuguese football coach who arrived at Real Madrid last year and is regarded as one of the best managers in history.

In Turkey last weekend, rumours that Briatore – currently banned from Formula 1 for the his role in the 2008 Singapore GP race fixing ‘crashgate’ scandal – could be heading to Ferrari were mentioned by Sky Italia.

“I would like Flavio to return, we miss him,” Alonso told Spanish broadcaster TV3. “He is an unique character but it wouldn’t be like Mou in Madrid”, he added, possibly referring to Mourinho’s latest controversies.

Instead, Alonso said Ferrari has important questions to ask itself regarding its overall approach to designing its single seaters.

“I think Ferrari has to try to change a little bit the way we work, risking more and being more innovative,” said the Spaniard. “From now on we have to start inventing.”

The two times F1 world champion insists the 2011 season is still long but acknowledged the challenge of chasing down Red Bull Racing’s runaway Sebastian Vettel.

“We will not give up so soon but we are aware of the difficulty of having this championship,” said the 29-year-old.

Ferrari technical director Aldo Costa also said it will take some more time before the 150 Italia car is a winner.

“Probably in Barcelona we will take another step forward,” he told Diario Sport, “but we will have to wait for some more races to fight for victory.”

Source: YallaF1

Sebastian Vettel: Looking forward, not back

After a day of sheep shearing, Sebastian Vettel got down to the rather less serious business of giving us his thoughts on another year of F1

by Matt Youson on Mar 25, 2011

G’day Seb, happy to be back in the paddock?
Yeah. It’s good to see a lot of faces again. Obviously once the winter starts lose connection to some of the people and it’s good to be back. Over the years – and I haven’t been here for a really long time like Michael or Rubens – but still, you know people from other teams and have friendships and it’s good to reconnect with everyone.

Is it different walking in to Albert Park as the F1 World Champion?
To me it’s not a big difference. It’s a very good feeling and it’s something that no one can take away from me, and that feels good. And I think no matter when you look back it will always feel good. But naturally we are built to look forward, so looking backwards isn’t natural, particularly in sports; I think you always tend to look forward to the next race, the next game, the next match.

Surely something must have changed?
Nah, not really! I mean as you know I have a new contract but as for everything else, no. I don’t get preferential treatment in restaurants or anything. Though walking down the streets – not so much here – but back home you get recognised more often but, y’know, it just shows you how many people followed what you did and that makes it special, and makes you very proud. It puts a smile on my face.

Did winning the world championship make signing the new contract an easier decision to take?
Not really; I mean obviously it isn’t something that you decide to sign in one day – at least I didn’t – and it’s not like it’s a one-line contract that you just sign or you don’t; there’s a few pages there to read. I signed because I feel very comfortable with the team and there’s nothing really that I would like to change.

I think we have a common target, we achieved a lot together in the past and we’re all keen on getting that feeling again and racing at the top against the best teams and the best guys out there and seeing that we are competitive. My number one priority is to win races and race at the top of the field. I love driving, don’t get me wrong, but I love to compete and I’m very confident I can do that in the team I’m in now and will be with in the future. That’s why I decided to stay a bit longer.

Looking at this race, Melbourne hasn’t been very kind to you in the past…
I liked the race last year, and I like coming here. As a German, in our country it takes a long time before someone calls you friend, here the whole country is calling me ‘mate’, and it’s nice! And usually we have great weather, though not at the moment, and the track is one I really, really like, and they have a nice trophy. It used to have a kangaroo on it, and I hope it still does because it’s the sort of thing you’re only going to get here.

There’s the serious side of the sport like the racing and the competition and I love that, but I also love racing for the little things like a trophy that’s a little bit different to the ones you get elsewhere. That’s something too.

In terms of the title defence, do you need to come out and dominate from the start?
I think anybody wants to start as well as he can. I think the situation this year is a bit tricky because you really don’t know how competitive everyone is. We’re happy with the work we did in the winter and the car has been working reliably since the first test onwards – but if that’s enough, we don’t know. We only get to know on Saturday or Sunday in the race. I think the new tyres could make things a bit different, but the strongest package of car and driver will be able to win races, so in that respect nothing has changed.

What sort of feeling do you have for the tyres?
Well, they’re black and they’re round…

Erm?
They are different to last year, the tyre doesn’t last as long as it used to, so it’s a new challenge. The strategies will change, people will stop more often because after between 10 and 20 laps the tyres give up and force you to pit. In Barcelona, where we were testing, that meant something like three or four stops over a race distance. Here it could be a little bit different, but generally it’s impossible to one-stop or two-stop, so it will be three stops or more.

You’ve already mentioned the trophy, would it be disappointing to leave here without it?
Because it’s the start of the season I really can’t answer that question. I really don’t know if we are in a position to win the race. We might know a little bit more after Friday practice, and definitely we’ll know more on Saturday. We have a good feeling but still we need to see how strong we really are. So, I’m quite confident we should be there or there abouts. The masterplan is the same. I don’t have to lie about it, the target is to win, as easy as that. If you come here as champions you want to keep on winning. That’s why we have been working very hard in the winter and y’know, of course we are looking forward to a good weekend, and picking up that trophy with the bloody kangaroo on it…

Source: Red Bull