The Finnish former Formula One World Champion Kimi Räikkönen’s return to the F1 circuit looks certain, at least if the British Williams team boss Adam Parr’s answers and especially his facial expressions are anything to go by.
Parr seemed to find it difficult to keep a straight face when Eddie Jordan, commenting for BBC television, asked him after yesterday’s Indian Grand Prix whether the team’s second driver for next year was going to be Räikkönen or Adrian Sutil.
Parr assured Jordan and other listeners that the Williams team was still thinking about what to do next year and that no decisions had been made as yet.
His mischievous smile nevertheless strongly suggested that Räikkönen might be seen in a Williams helmet in the 2012 F1 season.
Williams is one of the most successful teams in F1 history.
It has won the Constructors’ Championship nine times. Finnish driver Keke Rosberg, among others, won his drivers’ title (in 1982) when driving for Williams. source
A hot topic in India this weekend is the rumoured return to formula one next year of 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen.
Reports suggest the 32-year-old Finn, who left Ferrari to try his hand at world rallying and NASCAR two seasons ago, could come back in 2012 with the beleaguered Williams team.
The famous British squad's chairman Adam Parr was asked directly about the speculation in India on Friday by Finnish journalist Heikki Kulta. source
Reports suggest the 32-year-old Finn, who left Ferrari to try his hand at world rallying and NASCAR two seasons ago, could come back in 2012 with the beleaguered Williams team.
The famous British squad's chairman Adam Parr was asked directly about the speculation in India on Friday by Finnish journalist Heikki Kulta. source
10/30/2011 11:06:00 p.m.
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Comebacks are always risky, and this one would be no exception.
Raikkonen's story is one of unrealised potential. He walked away from his Formula One career in 2009 with one World Championship, 18 race wins, 16 pole positions and a staggering 35 fastest laps.
To call that a story of unrealised potential speaks volumes of how much talent the Finn actually had at his disposal.
After entering F1 with just 23 car races to his name in 2001, most fans could have picked him out as a future title-winner. He achieved this at last in his first season with Ferrari, 2007, having been let down more times than he'd care to remember by the McLaren he drove from 2002 to 2006.
After entering F1 with just 23 car races to his name in 2001, most fans could have picked him out as a future title-winner. He achieved this at last in his first season with Ferrari, 2007, having been let down more times than he'd care to remember by the McLaren he drove from 2002 to 2006.
In this early period of his career he was simply exceptional. He showed an ability at the very least equal to Fernando Alonso, a man still considered one of the world's best drivers and produced performances which marked him out as a man on the path to all-time greatness.
Question marks remained over his somewhat hyperactive private life, but his on-track performance silenced all but the most vociferous critics.
And then he won his title. read more
10/29/2011 11:04:00 p.m.
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Williams chairman Adam Parr admitted that Kimi Raikkonen would be a good fit for the team, but insisted no decision has been made over its 2012 driver line-up.
After a disappointing Indian Grand Prix in which Pastor Maldonado retired and Rubens Barrichello laboured to 15th place behind the Lotus of Heikki Kovalainen, Williams continues to boast a total of only five points all season. With rumours linking 2007 champion Raikkonen with a move to Williams for 2012, Parr was asked by the BBC if Raikkonen or Adrian Sutil would be the better choice to help the team recover next season, but initially refused to be drawn on the subject.
"We're thinking about what we're doing for next year," Parr said. "No decisions have been made, and I'm really sorry but I can't say more than that right now."
10/28/2011 11:02:00 p.m.
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If Kimi Raikkonen does return to formula one, it won't be because he admires the sport's headline-writers. Speculation is growing by the day that the 2007 world champion could return from his world rally and NASCAR experiment with the Williams team in 2012. As for the specialist media, however, the notoriously reticent 32-year-old prefers rally. "I have the feeling that the rally press is more interested in the discipline, and what is happening on the stages, rather than the F1 journalists who write c*** to make headlines," Raikkonen is quoted by autohebdo.fr. Where previously there was scepticism, however, there is a growing feeling in the formula one paddock that the Raikkonen rumours are real. source
10/27/2011 11:01:00 p.m.
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"According to Autosport magazine Williams team is serious about hiring Kimi Raikkonen.
The latest issue of the respected British magazine reports that there's already been elaborate discussions between Williams and Raikkonen and a foundation for serious contract negotions has been set.
Raikkonen wants back to F1 after a two year break. According to Autosport Raikkonen aims to return to a top team via Williams. The World Drivers' Champion of 2007 wants to show to the top teams that he's still motivated to continue his F1 career.
The magazine also reports that Chairman Adam Parr, the top two man of Williams, thinks that Raikkonen could raise the profile of the team and help to lure in new sponsors."
-Janne Aittoniemi
10/26/2011 02:21:00 p.m.
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"Kimi Raikkonen's arrival to the contract negotiations table closed for good the possibility of Heikki Kovalainen's transfer to Williams.
According to Urheilulehti's information Kovalainen was a potential driver option for next year but Raikkonen immediately passed Kovalainen on Williams' list.
Williams is doing all it can at the moment to secure Raikkonen's services." via kimi raikkonen forum
10/25/2011 02:20:00 p.m.
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It's boiling inside Williams' camp and it can affect the situation of Kimi Räikkönen and Valtteri Bottas.
Williams CEO Adam Parr and the team's second biggest owner Christian Wolff have had a fierce fight before Singapore GP.
Parr and Wolff strongly disagree over the future of Williams and in matters concerning the team's driver-choices.
The founder of the team and the main owner Frank Williams still trusts in Parr's ability to make right kind of decisions, but other than that Parr has become quite unpopular in the team.
The power battle between Parr and Wolff has been going on for some time already. Wolff would have financial possibilities to better get the team back on track. He would also want to take quite soon his protegé Bottas to F1 as a racing driver.
- Personally I think that Valtteri is ready to succeed in F1 very soon, Wolff told IS.
The most logical would of course be to still keep Bottas, who is a test driver, in Williams. But it could also happen that Räikkönen or someone new pay-driver prevents the rise of 22-year old Bottas in Williams.
Williams CEO Adam Parr and the team's second biggest owner Christian Wolff have had a fierce fight before Singapore GP.
Parr and Wolff strongly disagree over the future of Williams and in matters concerning the team's driver-choices.
The founder of the team and the main owner Frank Williams still trusts in Parr's ability to make right kind of decisions, but other than that Parr has become quite unpopular in the team.
The power battle between Parr and Wolff has been going on for some time already. Wolff would have financial possibilities to better get the team back on track. He would also want to take quite soon his protegé Bottas to F1 as a racing driver.
- Personally I think that Valtteri is ready to succeed in F1 very soon, Wolff told IS.
The most logical would of course be to still keep Bottas, who is a test driver, in Williams. But it could also happen that Räikkönen or someone new pay-driver prevents the rise of 22-year old Bottas in Williams.
10/24/2011 02:19:00 p.m.
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Kimi Raikkonen is on the verge of signing a deal to return to F1 with Williams.
The 2007 world champion has been in discussions with the team for several weeks, following a recent visit to the factory in Grove. Sources suggest that discussions are going the right way and they are now close to a deal.
It is understood that the Finn, who will be 32 next month, is keen to get back into F1 competition after two years on the sidelines in rallying. The timing is significant as Williams are on the look out for a bold move to boost the team and Raikkonen can see that the F1 driver landscape is likely to change a lot at the end of 2012 and a strong season, reminding everyone what he can do, might open some doors.
Michael Schumacher’s comeback is both a positive example, but also a warning to the Finn as it took the seven times champion some time to get up to speed. Raikkonen has kept sharp by competing in world rally for the past two seasons, but at the same time he will take a while to get fully up to speed with the Pirelli F1 tyres. All his rivals will have a year’s experience on them.
From Williams’ point of view, team boss Adam Parr will want to make a bold move after a season to forget in 2011. He has hired a new technical team, led by Mike Coughlan, with Dr Mark Gillan (who is here in Singapore) in charge of race operations and Jason Sommerville as chief aerodynamicist. His other options are to retain Rubens Barrichello, hire a known quantity like Heikki Kovalainen or go for a rookie alongside Pastor Maldonado. Or he could wait to see whether a Robert Kubica comeback might dislodge Bruno Senna from Renault. Rumours of a connection with Adrian Sutil have been firmly denied on both sides.
One thing is for sure, Williams are likely to finish 9th in the Constructors’ Championship this year and that will mean a shortfall in prize money and sponsor bonus money.
However most major sponsor contracts have a clause where they pay more if a world champion comes to the team and that may be another factor to encourage the Raikkonen move, particularly if his wage demands are reasonable.
Hiring Raikkonen would be a very bold statement from Williams as he is a world champion and an 18 times race winner. He certainly has the speed and the skills to compete with the best in F1, will certainly get some eye catching results and his name might also help attract a sponsor or two, although he is not known for being keen on promotional appearances. For F1 it would mean that there would be 6 world champions in the field of 24 drivers, which has never happened before in its 61 year history. The feeling in the paddock is that it would be a good thing, if it happens.
The possible question mark with Raikkonen is motivation; he seemed to have run out of motivation in his final season with Ferrari in 2009 and driving what is likely to be a midfield car, even if it is a regular points challenger, he will be seeking to prove a point rather than win races.
One key relationship he will not have to develop from scratch is with new Williams technical director Mike Coughlan, who worked with the Finn at McLaren from 2002 until his move to Ferrari in 2006. They know each other well. source
10/23/2011 02:08:00 p.m.
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Williams tries to get a rich Arab bank to sponsor them by using Kimi Räikkönen's name.
Sir Frank Williams' team has tried to lure Qatar National Bank as their main sponsor for a couple years already.
They haven't succeed but now Williams tries once again to get a contract with the biggest bank in Qatar. Williams can bring Kimi's name to the table since the team has already negotiated with Kimi about next season.
Williams could get such a remarkable contract with Qatar National Bank that they could fill Räikkönen's salary demands with that.
Williams already has strong connection to Qatar, which is one of the richest country in the world. Williams has founded their own research- and development-center in Qatar's science- and technology park.
Williams has also taken forward a traffic safety campaign together with Qatar National Bank, a campaign directed to drivers in Quatar.
The team's members have had their educational happenings in schools and universities in Qatar. The team has also built simulators in Qatar for driving instruction.
Sir Frank Williams' team has tried to lure Qatar National Bank as their main sponsor for a couple years already.
They haven't succeed but now Williams tries once again to get a contract with the biggest bank in Qatar. Williams can bring Kimi's name to the table since the team has already negotiated with Kimi about next season.
Williams could get such a remarkable contract with Qatar National Bank that they could fill Räikkönen's salary demands with that.
Williams already has strong connection to Qatar, which is one of the richest country in the world. Williams has founded their own research- and development-center in Qatar's science- and technology park.
Williams has also taken forward a traffic safety campaign together with Qatar National Bank, a campaign directed to drivers in Quatar.
The team's members have had their educational happenings in schools and universities in Qatar. The team has also built simulators in Qatar for driving instruction.
10/22/2011 02:06:00 p.m.
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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
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
10/21/2011 01:55:00 p.m.
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Kimi, what’s the 5th grid place like? - It’s the 5th grid place.
What makes TAG Heuer special? - It’s ok.
Kimi, you speak a little bit? - Yeah, one two.. three..
How does it feels to drive at 300 km/h? - It feels normal.
The helmet has a special meaning for many drivers. How important is it to you? - It protects my head.
Do you have any special rituals when the helmet is concerned like many have? - I wipe it so that I can see better.
Is it true that sometimes you’re bored in the car?Only when I am in front by a country mile, like in Melbourne last year. Then you are thinking about other things or you’re playing with the buttons on the steering wheel. Then I suddenly missed a braking point. This year unfortunately we haven’t had such race.
What are the kind of things that make you angry in normal life, as you say?
If you keep asking questions like those.
If you keep asking questions like those.
10/20/2011 01:55:00 p.m.
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What happens when a normal family’s normal boy proves to be special and
gets into the 22 best? Kimi Räikkönen got a F1-seat and a licence but
mother and father, Paula and Matti Räikkönen hope that life wold stay
as it was. Their wish is fulfilled if they have as much love in the
family as they have had uptil now.
gets into the 22 best? Kimi Räikkönen got a F1-seat and a licence but
mother and father, Paula and Matti Räikkönen hope that life wold stay
as it was. Their wish is fulfilled if they have as much love in the
family as they have had uptil now.
The feeling is the same as it usually is after a big moment of
happiness. The dream becomes true, the joy is enourmous and yet there
is sorrowness in the air: what was is left behind, a lot changes, maybe
everything.
happiness. The dream becomes true, the joy is enourmous and yet there
is sorrowness in the air: what was is left behind, a lot changes, maybe
everything.
It’s been a few days since Kimi Räikkönen, 21, came out with the
historical news: he got the superlicense to F1 although he hadn’t drove
one meter in F3.
historical news: he got the superlicense to F1 although he hadn’t drove
one meter in F3.
"We have done our part, Kimi and Steve Robertson will take care of
the rest. We only give emotional support now," Matti Räikkönen, Kimi’s
father says.
the rest. We only give emotional support now," Matti Räikkönen, Kimi’s
father says.
"It is painful to let go. It will take a few weeks until we get ourselves psyched into thinking that this really is true."
Kimi’s mother Paula Räikkönen continues:
"This came with such a bang. Kimi called Masa’s cellphone on
August 15th when we were in Tuupovaara where Rami was rallying telling
that he will go and test F1 within a month. I thought then that I am
going to faint. Fortunately Masa (Matti) caught me when my feet just went
under, really."
August 15th when we were in Tuupovaara where Rami was rallying telling
that he will go and test F1 within a month. I thought then that I am
going to faint. Fortunately Masa (Matti) caught me when my feet just went
under, really."
"I prepared her and told her to sit down, that I have an incredible thing to tell," Matti tells.
"Fortunately we have this older son Rami, who is one year and 10
months older than Kimi and who drives rally. I have enough to do with
Rami," Masa says and grins somewhat sadly.
months older than Kimi and who drives rally. I have enough to do with
Rami," Masa says and grins somewhat sadly.
He is a big, stable, bear-like 46-year old man. Paula, 47, is smaller, blond, fast and clear in her talks, more temperamentic.
IT TOOK TIME, MONEY AND STRENGTH
Here we have a fresh Finnish heroic story where sisu, toughness,
trial and companionship is combined. This story has four heros, Kimi,
Masa, Paula and Rami.
trial and companionship is combined. This story has four heros, Kimi,
Masa, Paula and Rami.
"Everything happened like in secret. I mean we started this only
so we could give the boys a good and a healthy hobby. And then the
hobby has grown into bigger and bigger circles," father Räikkönen
explains.
so we could give the boys a good and a healthy hobby. And then the
hobby has grown into bigger and bigger circles," father Räikkönen
explains.
Matti Räikkönen is a machineman who is a mechanic with skillful fingers. Paula is a secretary, a woman of action.
"All hobbies are good but driving is tricky because the small boys
don’t get with their machinery from track to track. If a boy plays
ice-hockey you can take turns with other parents, in this hobby it
doesn’t work. We travelled with these two sometimes even 17 races in
one summer and when the distances are what they are it doesn’t mean
from Friday evening to Sunday, it often means from Wednesday to Sunday,"
Matti tells.
don’t get with their machinery from track to track. If a boy plays
ice-hockey you can take turns with other parents, in this hobby it
doesn’t work. We travelled with these two sometimes even 17 races in
one summer and when the distances are what they are it doesn’t mean
from Friday evening to Sunday, it often means from Wednesday to Sunday,"
Matti tells.
"When the boys started to drive national races – Kimi was eight -
we had to get a van and a trailor so that we could get to the races,"
Paula continues.
we had to get a van and a trailor so that we could get to the races,"
Paula continues.
"It took all the time, money and strength," she calmly says.
Matti worked two or three jobs, drove taxi and was a doorman.
Sometimes they had to decide whether to continue the boy’s driving
business or make an indoor toilet. They didn’t and the boys got to
continue.
Sometimes they had to decide whether to continue the boy’s driving
business or make an indoor toilet. They didn’t and the boys got to
continue.
"Once we came all the way from Belgium to Finland with only a Shell
credit card. Fortunately the family stuck together!" Matti tells.
credit card. Fortunately the family stuck together!" Matti tells.
"Sometimes we had moments of doubts but aren’t bad times meant to be won," she challenges.
"We never had the feeling that we should quit. Sometimes we just
realised that we don’t have enough money. We cried in the telephone to
one way and another so that we could continue," Paula talks.
realised that we don’t have enough money. We cried in the telephone to
one way and another so that we could continue," Paula talks.
"The family has all the time been very closely together, we have
shared both the joy and the sorrow. Because of course there has been
sorrow and disappointments too. Winning is a rare treat," Matti defines.
shared both the joy and the sorrow. Because of course there has been
sorrow and disappointments too. Winning is a rare treat," Matti defines.
The family’s inside joke is what Kimi said when
they were going home through Italy that ‘I will get you a castle from
here one day’.
they were going home through Italy that ‘I will get you a castle from
here one day’.
"It came so sincerely from Kimi. And when we came from another
race that went bad, Kimi pointed at a castle that was in really bad
shape that ‘I’ll buy you a castle like that mom, I don’t have enough
money to buy another one’," Matti laughs.
race that went bad, Kimi pointed at a castle that was in really bad
shape that ‘I’ll buy you a castle like that mom, I don’t have enough
money to buy another one’," Matti laughs.
There are wild rumours about Kimi’s salary at Sauber but it’s clear
that it’s seven- or eight-numbered figures and you could even build a
toilet of marble with golden handles with that money.
that it’s seven- or eight-numbered figures and you could even build a
toilet of marble with golden handles with that money.
"We don’t have to support Kimi anymore. In that way things got
easier about a year ago. Kimi is living on his own earnings and we have
definitely noticed that!" Räikkönen’s say.
easier about a year ago. Kimi is living on his own earnings and we have
definitely noticed that!" Räikkönen’s say.
"I don’t want life to change, I want it to stay as it was before," Matti says.
"This has been Kimi’s dream but it was never our dream. We have
just lived and helped him the best we could to get forward. In this
genre the hunger gets bigger and bigger when you realise that you have
talent, you have to take it to the end and see where it takes you,"
Paula says.
just lived and helped him the best we could to get forward. In this
genre the hunger gets bigger and bigger when you realise that you have
talent, you have to take it to the end and see where it takes you,"
Paula says.
"Many can say that I live through my children. It’s not true. We
just got a hobby that combined the whole family and it started growing
bigger," Matti says.
just got a hobby that combined the whole family and it started growing
bigger," Matti says.
They both thank their employers who have been flexible and understanding.
"That has been essential to the whole business, it wouldn’t have
worked out if we couldn’t hold our vacations in parts," they say.
worked out if we couldn’t hold our vacations in parts," they say.
BROTHERS ARE LIKE NIGHT AND DAY
So what is this Kimi Raikkonen like – according to his parents?
"He is gutsy and terribly stubborn but also very sensitive," mother says.
"It think that Kimi has grown all the time along with his career.
Of course he has taken damn big steps during the last
days but I have never been worried about the boy’s head," father says.
Of course he has taken damn big steps during the last
days but I have never been worried about the boy’s head," father says.
"Kimi isn’t more mature than others his age. When he has time his
friends come over and they go to sauna according to the long schedule
and go to a disco after that. He has a girlfriend and things like that,
he is an ordinary boy," mother says.
friends come over and they go to sauna according to the long schedule
and go to a disco after that. He has a girlfriend and things like that,
he is an ordinary boy," mother says.
The girlfriend is cute and wonderful but she doesn’t want to be in the spotlight.
"Kimi has lived in Holland and England, of course that helps to grow up and become independent," father thinks.
"The brothers are like night and day. Rami was something like
seven when we said that he is the smartest person in our family. Rami
always thinks first before acting, Kimi is the complete opposite, does
first and figures out afterwards what he went and did," father laughs.
seven when we said that he is the smartest person in our family. Rami
always thinks first before acting, Kimi is the complete opposite, does
first and figures out afterwards what he went and did," father laughs.
Mother calls the firstborn a diplomat.
"Rami started driving a motorbike when he was 3,5 years old. You
couldn’t give Kimi one until he was 5. Kimi’s nature is of the kind
that you go always flat out," Matti describes.
couldn’t give Kimi one until he was 5. Kimi’s nature is of the kind
that you go always flat out," Matti describes.
"They drove karting together. Rami was softer, you can see his
goodness best when you drive against time or against your own best
performance. He is much more softer than Kimi as a driver. You have to
be more aggressive and rude on the track. It was clear ever since they
were small that they both drive in their own style. They didn’t want to
learn from each other – not even if we tried. They both thought that
the other one had no hands – therefore you can’t learn anything from
him," father tells.
goodness best when you drive against time or against your own best
performance. He is much more softer than Kimi as a driver. You have to
be more aggressive and rude on the track. It was clear ever since they
were small that they both drive in their own style. They didn’t want to
learn from each other – not even if we tried. They both thought that
the other one had no hands – therefore you can’t learn anything from
him," father tells.
He regrets a little of his scetching and says that you can’t compare your two boys, both are equally dear.
But you can read between the lines that Rami is
better off in rally where he can drive alone, Kimi again is better on a
track where he can squeeze in, ambush, overtake, go flat out, put
others in line without endangering anyone.
better off in rally where he can drive alone, Kimi again is better on a
track where he can squeeze in, ambush, overtake, go flat out, put
others in line without endangering anyone.
"The boys were always together ever since they were small. I
almost cried when I looked at albums and saw that in every picture
there was two boys. The other one was alone in only a few pictures,
they were always together and did everything together, Paula says.
almost cried when I looked at albums and saw that in every picture
there was two boys. The other one was alone in only a few pictures,
they were always together and did everything together, Paula says.
"Of course they had fights, you polish one another through them.
But the relationship and the foundation is there even though they
wouldn’t see each other that often," she continues.
But the relationship and the foundation is there even though they
wouldn’t see each other that often," she continues.
MANY TAKE PART IN A LOTTERY, ONLY ONE WINS
They talk about an eye for the game. Should you also talk about an
eye for driving, a natural ability to find the best driving line and
realise what braking causes in different situations?
eye for driving, a natural ability to find the best driving line and
realise what braking causes in different situations?
"Absolutely. Everybody develop if they repeat enough but I also
believe that there is talent. Someone can learn to reach a certain
level and some other can already be there when he starts and continue
somewhere else where the other one never will reach," Masa describes.
believe that there is talent. Someone can learn to reach a certain
level and some other can already be there when he starts and continue
somewhere else where the other one never will reach," Masa describes.
Kimi Räikkönen is a driver talent, everybody has agreed upon that,
even those who have been doubtful about his quick progress to F1.
even those who have been doubtful about his quick progress to F1.
Fysiotherapist Jukka Viitasaari who has tuned the slim Kimi during
last months into a young man who is more tougher than an arrow goes
totally reckless. Viitasaari has worked a lot with drivers but he
compares Kimi to Mozart, a genious in his own profession who can play
any instrument: cello, violin, piano – everything goes and everything
plays.
last months into a young man who is more tougher than an arrow goes
totally reckless. Viitasaari has worked a lot with drivers but he
compares Kimi to Mozart, a genious in his own profession who can play
any instrument: cello, violin, piano – everything goes and everything
plays.
Without even coughing Kimi jumped from a 185-horsepowered Formula Renault into an 800-horsepowered F1-car.
"Kimi has always stood out somehow and he has been picked and
taken forward because of his driving skills and showings, we really
didn’t have the money and we haven’t bought Kimi one single seat," Paula
Räikkönen says realistically.
taken forward because of his driving skills and showings, we really
didn’t have the money and we haven’t bought Kimi one single seat," Paula
Räikkönen says realistically.
It was a surprise for those in the Sauber-team how efficiently and
analytically Kimi is able to tell what kind of setups he wants to the
car and why.
analytically Kimi is able to tell what kind of setups he wants to the
car and why.
"Ever since Kimi learned to walk he has fumbled with all kinds of
gadgets. I don’t think that anybody can make a fast car for anyone.
Everybody wants a bit different setups and you have to be able to tell
what it feels like and what might cause it," Matti explains.
gadgets. I don’t think that anybody can make a fast car for anyone.
Everybody wants a bit different setups and you have to be able to tell
what it feels like and what might cause it," Matti explains.
Kimi was in technical school’s car-department for 1,5 year until he
had to leave school for other engagements. Many of his class mates
didn’t even know what the guy was doing – which tells a lot about the
young man’s character.
had to leave school for other engagements. Many of his class mates
didn’t even know what the guy was doing – which tells a lot about the
young man’s character.
Concentration and self-confidence are in the right place in Kimi.
He often says: you should not bow in front of pictures, "we all eat the
same oatmeal".
He often says: you should not bow in front of pictures, "we all eat the
same oatmeal".
Eddie Irvine wished Kimi welcome as his colleague, Ralf Schumacher again gave doubtful statements.
Kimi thinks that everybody can think what they want, it isn’t his business.
Matti says diplomatically like this:
"Very few get into F1, someone’s success is alway taken away from
someone else. Kimi has taken someone’s job who has been driving for a
long time and dreamt of the same thing."
someone else. Kimi has taken someone’s job who has been driving for a
long time and dreamt of the same thing."
Tens of thousaunds wishful boys race all over the world in
different races and they all have the same dream burning in their
veins: The Royal Class. 22 gets in there.
different races and they all have the same dream burning in their
veins: The Royal Class. 22 gets in there.
"Many take part in lotteries and somebody always wins it," Matti says.
Are you scared?
"Everything is always possible. Anything can happen in normal
traffic. In Europe we are more afraid of the journeys there than we are
of the tracks," Räikkönen’s answer.
traffic. In Europe we are more afraid of the journeys there than we are
of the tracks," Räikkönen’s answer.
Paula tells that the bigger classes that look so daring when
watching from the television always made her think with pleasure that
fortunately our boys never get that far but when getting there they
have proved to be okay. The boy has learned and matured during the
journey. But as a mother she can’t watch the races, it’s too exciting.
watching from the television always made her think with pleasure that
fortunately our boys never get that far but when getting there they
have proved to be okay. The boy has learned and matured during the
journey. But as a mother she can’t watch the races, it’s too exciting.
"Sometimes we have said when dreaming that if Kimi ever gets to F1
we will go to the first race! It’s just a shame that it’s so far away
in Melbourne!" Paula sighs – so far they have seen only one GP.
we will go to the first race! It’s just a shame that it’s so far away
in Melbourne!" Paula sighs – so far they have seen only one GP.
YOU CAN ALWAYS COME HOME
Many families have somekind of advice they say to their kids when
they walk out the door. Behave, drive carefully, remember to call.
they walk out the door. Behave, drive carefully, remember to call.
"Our boys haven’t had time to circulate in any gangs but I always
tell them when they are going somewhere that ‘keep your sense in your
hand’. If someone jumps into a well then we don’t have to jump after.
Think before you do something," Paula says.
tell them when they are going somewhere that ‘keep your sense in your
hand’. If someone jumps into a well then we don’t have to jump after.
Think before you do something," Paula says.
"And you can always come home. No matter what happens you can always come home, the door is open," Kimi’s father continues.
Kimi comes from F1-Racing -magazine’s photoshooting, the Swiss
filming teams is buzzing around him – they are making a portrait of
Kimi to a German channel’s sport news.
filming teams is buzzing around him – they are making a portrait of
Kimi to a German channel’s sport news.
Kimi is quiet, careful, a man of few words. He grins if the other
one really makes an effort to entertain him – his dad says that he has
always strived to pull tricks and fool his boys so that they wouldn’t
become too serious.
one really makes an effort to entertain him – his dad says that he has
always strived to pull tricks and fool his boys so that they wouldn’t
become too serious.
The hero gets to come home for Christmas from Barcelona’s testing.
He has already got his parents christmas-presents – although he already
gave the best around the Independence Day.
He has already got his parents christmas-presents – although he already
gave the best around the Independence Day.
When the news about Kimi’s F1-seat spread, Matti Räikkönen’s 4
cellphones got swamped with congratulations. Even Mika Salo’s father
called to congratulate. Someone brought a beautiful rosebush and two
bottles of champagne to their yard, otherwise life has gone on like
before.
cellphones got swamped with congratulations. Even Mika Salo’s father
called to congratulate. Someone brought a beautiful rosebush and two
bottles of champagne to their yard, otherwise life has gone on like
before.
But it’s just calm before the tornado.
Father gives his son a Sisu (Sisu is a pastill and also something like Mojo).
10/19/2011 01:31:00 p.m.
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