Former Ferrari driver and 2007 Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen will be making his return to Grand Prix racing next season with Lotus, the team formerly known as Lotus Renault GP.
The quiet Finn looks forward to making his return.
“Before my two years of rallying I had nine seasons of F1, 157 races and 18 wins in Formula 1. I know the sport well,” said Raikkonen in an interview published by his new team.
“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”.
The Finn expects to be up to speed from the word go. “I am more motivated than ever and I don’t think I’ve lost any speed. Getting on top of the tires will be the hardest thing, of course, but I’m not really worried. The cars will be significantly different next year. The order could be shaken up, which will make things very interesting,” he said.
Kimi Raikkonen has a busy testing schedule ahead of him.
“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,” he added.
“For me, learning how the team works will be an important aspect. Learning Pirelli’s tires will be the most important job, as it’s a different approach from what I experienced before”.
The former Ferrari declared having been impressed with the Lotus' facilities at Enstone. “I 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,” Raikkonen said.
Before he climbs in the car to start testing, Raikkonen continues to train hard physically. “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,” the Finn said.
The quiet Finn looks forward to making his return.
“Before my two years of rallying I had nine seasons of F1, 157 races and 18 wins in Formula 1. I know the sport well,” said Raikkonen in an interview published by his new team.
“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”.
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| Kimi Raikkonen with team boss Eric Boullier. (Photo: Lotus Renault GP) |
The Finn expects to be up to speed from the word go. “I am more motivated than ever and I don’t think I’ve lost any speed. Getting on top of the tires will be the hardest thing, of course, but I’m not really worried. The cars will be significantly different next year. The order could be shaken up, which will make things very interesting,” he said.
Kimi Raikkonen has a busy testing schedule ahead of him.
“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,” he added.
“For me, learning how the team works will be an important aspect. Learning Pirelli’s tires will be the most important job, as it’s a different approach from what I experienced before”.
The former Ferrari declared having been impressed with the Lotus' facilities at Enstone. “I 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,” Raikkonen said.
Before he climbs in the car to start testing, Raikkonen continues to train hard physically. “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,” the Finn said.