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Video: Scuderia Ferrari Racing News n.2

2012-02-01T16:00:00.002-02:00

The 2012 Formula 1 Championship is just around the corner. Just before the start of the season, the presentation of the new single-seater and the first test sessions, the Scuderia Ferrari drivers were in a training camp in Lanzarote on the Canary Islands. In this issue of the Scuderia Ferrari Racing News Alonso, Massa, Bianchi and Rigon tell about their physical preparations, while Massimo Rivola and Stefano Domenicali talk about the importance of this event also to strengthen the team spirit

Source: ferrariworld

McLaren team reveal new car for 2012 Formula 1 season

2012-02-01T12:26:00.004-02:00

McLaren have unveiled the car Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button hope will win one of them the drivers' title

Hamilton described the MP4-27, unveiled at the team's Surrey base, as "the finest-looking car we've had for some time".

The car features a notably tightly packaged rear end, after the fashion of the Red Bull that has dominated Formula 1 for the last two seasons.

"We're excited. I'm sure every team is a little apprehensive," Button said.

Among other notable features, the car does not have the platypus-style nose that is expected to feature on many designs this year as a result of a change in the rules requiring a lower nose height.

Lewis Hamilton won the drivers' world title in a McLaren in 2008, with Jenson Button winning the championship in a Brawn a year later.

But Red Bull have won the last two constructors' championship, with Sebastian Vettel securing the drivers' title in both seasons .

McLaren have not won the constructors' title since 1998.

Button added: "This is a beautiful car - many you will see will not be.

"There are some good rule changes giving the engineers and aerodynamicists something to really think about.

"Everyone seems positive, we will see how it is when we get out on to the track."

McLaren have also abandoned the distinctive L-shaped sidepods that distinguished the 2011 car, reverting to a more conventional shape.

Hamilton said: "The back of the car is much neater, it's much tighter. The focus was on getting it as tight as possible for aerodynamics.

"It's about dropping drag and we have tried to get as much downforce back as possible with the banning of the blown diffuser [where teams directed exhaust gases along the rear floor of the car even when the driver was off the throttle]."

He said that the rule change had made an obvious difference to the way the car feels, having already driven it in the team's simulator.

Hamilton added: "It's a lot trickier to drive now than it was but I'm sure, as we get into the season, we'll get that back."

Both men said they were looking forward to the challenge of the new season, which features six world champions for the first time in F1 history.

Kimi Raikkonen has returned to F1 with the Lotus team after two years in rallying, to join fellow champions Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Hamilton and Button.

"We love to have the competition and we love to have the great drivers out there," Hamilton said. "We hope there are no world champions added to [the list].

"It's great for the fans and the sport and hopefully we'll be able to put on a good show. We do have a good looking car and, when a car looks good, it generally is good."

Asked who the drivers expected McLaren's main competition to be, Button said: "The Red Bulls will be strong, they're not going to suddenly build a bad car after winning the championship for the last two years.

"Do we know where we stand? No, but the important thing is we focus on our own work in testing and in Melbourne we will find out where we are compared to our competitors."

Hamilton added: "Last year we were the team closest to the Red Bulls, that's comforting, and we improved a lot too. If we can start the season better than last year then we will put good building blocks down.

"We have the fastest rate of development, so that should give us a strong position to start the season."

Team principal Martin Whitmarsh said: "It will be close, it's a massively competitive championship. No-one in my view is going to run away with it.

"We don't like losing, coming second in the last two years has been frustrating.

"We want to win races and world championships. We have two great racing drivers, everyone can see the chemistry between them but they want to beat each other.

"There are some very strong competitors out there but we are feeling at the moment as if we are in a good place and we're looking forward to getting to Melbourne and competing for championships."

Source: BBC Sports

AutoSprint: Kimi is already at full throttle

2012-02-01T07:15:00.000-02:00

You look at him, sunk into a sofa in front of the tv that is showing a match of Federer, and you wonder: why is he doing this? Kimi Raikkonen is still slim, always hazy in his look. Blond locks come out under his beanie that he wears even indoor. Why are you doing it, Kimi? You won a worldchampionship five years ago, last Ferrari driver who got it. You had fun with rallies, with Nascar, with Peugeot 908 (until it was possible). You know very well that with Lotus the chances to back to the top are few, especially at 32. And then? The money? You expect an unkind answer and instead he plays ball: “The money is just a part of the story, of course. But it’s not that I needed it. For sure it’s a work where you risk your own life, so…”

- Now you can say to have raced also in others categories. But is the F1 for you always something special?
“Special? I wouldn’t know. It’s what I have done for most of my career. But if you want to race, you try to make it at the top level. And if you can choose, you probably choose F1.”

- Can you tell us how were your negotiations with Lotus?
“Well, it didn’t work with Williams: their offer was not what I wanted. With Lotus we talked a bit about everything and it went all very fast. We easily found a deal that satisfied both.”

- Now you see at you like a rookie, who has a lot to learn, or as a champion who can teach something?
He smiles. He didn’t lose that way to speak lazy, but he seems he has more will to explain, to tell: “Uh, we’ll see how it goes. To tell the truth I didn’t think much about the results, so far. I just want to do the best I can, then I hope to make some good races too. I really don’t think that if something goes bad we’ll say: fu*k you, I give up all!”

- You come back after two years, Sch. After three…
“It’s not the case to make comparisons. I don’t know how easy or difficult was for him. I think about me.”

- You’ll find again the GPs but also the interviews with the press, the meetings, things that you hate. Do you expect something will change?
“I expect as the same as before. They say that everything changes, but I don’t believe it. And I have always said that I’m here because I like racing, the rest is part of F1 but it’s not the main thing. It’s always been like this and ever will be.

- When have you decided to give up with rallies?
“When I have tried Nascar and I felt I liked to race together with the others. And that I missed it. It’s not that I wanted to stop with rallies, I would do them even now, but I can’t. We’ll see in future.”

- Do you think that with more time you could reach Loeb’s level?
“I think that anyone hasn’t reached him yet… Rally is still one of the most difficult sport, it’s impressive how much fast some people go. But if you put them on a F1 car it’s the same story… I would have needed of two more years and maybe to make tests and to have an official team”.

- Did you follow the GPs during this time?
“Not at all in 2010, I started to watch some races last year, because I knew that I could probably come back. It doesn’t seem to me too much different. There are more overtakes but just because they often use the mobile wing. Are real overtakes these? Sure, there is more show, with the tyres and all, there are more different speeds on track. But it has always been in F1, to overtake someone you have to be more more faster.

- Did you return to win again?
“Well, winning is always good and the championship is always your main goal. But if doesn’t happen, it doesn’t change my life.” Here the old Kimi comes back… “It’s not my obsession. I think that people expect it to me, but I’m happy with my driving and if it’s not enough, it’s not enough. That’s all.”

- They said you left F1 because of the lack of motivation…
“Those who write it, don’t know me. Always these bulls*it around. What’s motivation got to do with it, when you know that your car is a sh*t and even doing the best you can, you can’t reach the result? It’s not always your fault. I never had a problem of motivation, I’m not interested in what they say.

- Is there nothing that you regret of your last period in Ferrari? Have you ever said to you “If I did so..”
“No, I have no regrets. I drove the best I have ever driven, it was the car that was not enough. If I came back, I wouldn’t change anything. Sure, you make mistakes: but they are used to learn.”

- Have you ever had the feeling that they wanted to shoot you because they were interested in taking Alonso?
“I’m not interested, really. I have no resentment. And then it was three years ago.”

- During Valencia test with the 2010 car you tried the Pirelli tyres (demo). Did you find some differences?
“I wouldn’t say. After a while the rear tyres go down, but I don’t find them so different. Even if they say me that those of this year will be different again.”

- You raced when there were fuel pit stops. Now they aren’t anymore…
“Ok, at the beginning you have 150 kg fuel. But it’s not a difference like day and night. We tried with full tank and it’s the same car, just heavier.

- You have to accustom yourself again with the buttons on the wheel. Those of R30 were not so “complete”…
“Yes, Kers was missing, but I used it in 2009 and it’s just one button. There wasn’t the DRS also, the mobile wing.. But in the end I don’t believe it will be so scary. Just more stuff to push after a bit it will be automatic.”

You will have Grosjean as teammate: would you prefer a more expert teammate?
“No. I met him before Christmas at the factory. We don’t know us so well yet but he seems to me a good guy.”

-Have you already changed your physical training?
“Yes, above all for the neck. In rallies also we have strong lateral accelerations, and the steering is even more hard. And then it’s more tiring. All the week you wake up at 5 in the morning, when in F1 you spend just a session of 1 hour half.

- About the Peugeot 908?
“Beautiful, fun. It seems big but you can drive it like a F1 car. Funny, it’s so quiet…”

- How long do you think to stay in F1?
“I had no plans before, I haven’t any now for the future. Ten years? No, I really can’t see myself in F1 so long…”

- Among the drivers now in F1, is there someone who impressed you?
“I can’t see big differences. Vettel was strong also two years ago. With the regulations, some teams can change position, but the stronger are always the same.”

- When you raced with Massa he sometimes was ahead of you. Are you surprised he had so many difficulties last year?
“Even in 2009 we had a difficult year. I don’t know if it was because of the tyres, for him or something else but sometimes it happens, even if you think to be as fast as before. For me Felipe is the same as he was years ago, there was just something that didn’t suit him well.

- In the end, were you bored at home?
“I had more time for myself, but rallying also took much time. And then I like staying at home in the freetime. But sometimes I missed travels, I had to go somewhere. It was nice to take a break, but now I think it will be all like before.”

Courtesy: _TaniaS_

Williams FW34 to be launched at Jerez

2012-01-31T14:57:00.003-02:00

Williams announced today that they will be unveiling their 2012 Formula 1 challenger, the Williams-Renault FW34, on the morning of the first day of official pre-season testing at Jerez de la Frontera.

The team announced in a brief statement: “The Williams F1 Team will present its 2012 Williams-Renault FW34 on Tuesday 7 February at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Spain. The car will be rolled out of the garage for a photocall with drivers Pastor Maldonado and Bruno Senna between 0830 and 0840.”

The team will be embarking on their 34th year in Formula 1, having competed in 558 races during this time and in the process notched up 113 race victories, nine constructors’ titles, and seven drivers’ championships.

Last year was their worst season to date, finishing ninth in the title championship standings, with a mere five points to their credit.

Apart from Toro Rosso, the Grive based team will be fielding the least experienced (combined) driver line-up on the grid with Maldonado and Senna.

Source: YallaF1

Snow in Maranello, sunny and hot in Lanzarote

2012-01-31T14:40:00.002-02:00

Maranello, 31 January – At the Fiorano track, preparations are underway for the presentation of the new Formula 1 car and in Lanzarote in the Canary Isles, the training camp is coming to an end for Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa, Jules Bianchi and Davide Rigon.

The four drivers, along with the physiotherapists who look after them throughout the season, have spent the past few days tackling different sports, ranging from mountain biking to football, from tennis to ping-pong, not forgetting canoeing and working out in the gym or on the beach. All of this has taken place in very different conditions to those in Maranello, as the drivers enjoyed average daily temperatures of 20 °C.

The Lanzarote course was not only aimed at improving physical condition, which is absolutely vital in a demanding sport like Formula 1, but it was also an important exercise in team building, both because the competitive nature inherent in all the drivers spurred them to work even harder and in the right spirit and also because, spending time together reinforces the friendship between them.

In a few days, all four of them have important appointments. Jules will make a lightning visit to Maranello, before flying to England to start a new adventure as reserve driver for Force India, while, on 3 February, Fernando and Felipe will be taking part in the launch ceremony for the car they will be driving as from the Jerez test (7-10 February.)

Davide, who has recently extended his agreement with the Scuderia for two more years, will also be in Maranello: a lot of work awaits him in the simulator, in support of the development of the car that will see the light of day for the first time in a few days.

The programme has been established for the drivers in the three test sessions which take place prior to the Australian Grand Prix: in Jerez, Felipe will begin the development work, with Fernando closing the test; at the first Barcelona test, (21-24 February) it will be the Spaniard who drives for the first two days, with Felipe taking over for the final two; at the second session at the Catalunya Circuit (1-4 March) the driver order will again be reversed. Meanwhile the weather forecast for this week in the Maranello area is not very encouraging, with predictions of snow and very low temperatures. This means there is a real doubt as to whether it will be possible to carry out any promotional filming at the Fiorano track prior to heading for Jerez de la Frontera. It’s a very long way from Andalusia to the Emilia region and the departure of the car transporter with the racecar on board cannot be delayed any later than the afternoon of the fourth.

Source: Ferrari.com

Sutil handed 18-month suspended sentence

2012-01-31T12:12:00.001-02:00

Former Force India Formula One driver Adrian Sutil was found guilty of grievous bodily harm by a Munich court on Tuesday and given an 18-month suspended sentence and 200,000 euro (166,139 pounds) fine for a night club brawl in China last year

The 29-year-old German, who has yet to find a race seat this year, was found guilty of injuring Eric Lux, chief executive of Renault F1 team owners Genii Capital, in a Shanghai nightclub after the Chinese Grand Prix, Judge Christiane Thiemann said.

Lux needed several stitches for a neck wound after Sutil injured him with a champagne glass.

The Renault team has since been renamed Lotus and Force India have already announced Germany's Nico Hulkenberg as Sutil's replacement.

Sutil had told the court on the first day of proceedings on Monday he had repeatedly apologised to Lux and denied it was his intention to hurt him but rather to throw a drink in his face.

The prosecution, however, had asked for a 21-month sentence and a 300,000 euro fine, saying as a professional athlete Sutil should not have acted that way.

"Pushing someone away with a glass is adventurous and not in line with our experience of life ," prosecutor Nicole Selzam told the court.

"Professional athletes play a role model function in public life and such incidents should not occur."

The fine will be paid to charities.

The court had also wanted to hear from McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, who won the race in China and was in the night club at the time, but the 2008 world champion was excused due to team commitments.

Source: Reuters Sports

IL: Kimi will not ask permission for party

2012-01-31T11:50:00.001-02:00

Return to F1 tracks in Lotus does not cause changes in Kimi Räikkönen's leisure time celibration, Iltalehti tells.

Kimi, who has sometimes been famous of his parties, says that his attitude to alcohol has not changed anyway.

- If I want to go out and have fun, I'll go. I do not have any problem with it. No-one forbids me, and I need not to ask permission from anyone, Raikkonen says to Iltalehti in Zurich.

Source: Iltalehti
MTV3

Courtesy: reppo

La Repubblica: The world champions Tough Kimi is back

2012-01-30T22:45:00.004-02:00

After two years of absence the Finn returns with a Lotus F1, the last to win the World Championship with Ferrari. But without nostalgia. "The Reds? Not feel anything... Do not end well." I'm back because I was tired of racing against the clock: I wanted to race in front of real oponents

ZURICH - To think that someone has dubbed to see the Iceman thrown on a sofa while drinking latte in front of a tennis match makes you laugh. Certainly the Husky stare and the almost albino colors look promote misunderstanding, however, only takes a few seconds of conversation with Kimi Raikkonen to understand that the image of the boy coldly and without emotion is the result only of superficial considerations. Of emotions, passions and things to say, Kimi has in abundance. It's only the way to express it what's different, but in the end there is more truth in his answers than there are in the "strategic lies," Alonso has said in a hundred press conferences. The truth about Ferrari, for example, with which he opens in his first interview since returning to the wheel of a Lotus Formula 1 car: "It will not make an impression to see the Ferraris, I feel nothing. It was a beautiful page of my career, but it's over. And not so good. "

Were you expecting something different?
"Well, yes. But those things happen in life, things do not go as you wish. It happened to me on that occasion."

And so no thrill when you see - or in front of your mirror - the profile of the machines of Alonso and Massa?
"No, nothing. Besides, I already saw the success of McLaren "from outside"."

But in recent days how you felt when - after two years of absence "due to the rally" - you climbed aboard a F1?
"It was like coming home."

What you missed in F1?
"The competition against a true, visible and present opponent. In Rally you race against the clock, you do not see any other throughout the race. Only the road. And the difference is huge."

When did you decide to return?
"Last year. In the pauses of the rally season. I was able to do some 'of experience in NASCAR. And there you have forty rivals per race ... it was the first time that I found someone on the track since I left F1. As soon as the race started I felt within me the old appeal of the competition. I called my manager to ask around to see if there was something. We talked a lot with Williams but not if it has done nothing. When we got in touch with Lotus we had no doubt and we reached an agreement very quickly.

How did the first few laps of "rehabilitation" in the Lotus went? two years ago, when they did Schumacher in 2009 to prepare for the injured Massa was a tragedy ...
"Well, it hurts my neck. But not any more than it hurt me when, a few years ago, started to drive after the winter break. I thought it will be worst."

And from a technical standpoint?
"Even there I thought it will be worse. Of course I drove on exibition tires and its performance is not those of next season tyres, but from that point of view, the new Pirelli will be a first for everyone."

What goals have you given yourself for this season?
"Pushing as much as possible."

You will have as team mate Romain Grosjean, previously you have "crossed" Heidfeld, Coulthard, Montoya and Massa. If you were to put them in order of skill?
"I have no reason to do so. They're all good boys and good pilots. And so is Grosjean."

Massa, who was your last team-mate at Ferrari, it's having a tough time, and seems to suffer from Alonso's arrival and it's at his final year on the Reds (except for a miracle). They would have done better to keep you and let go of the Brazilian instead?
"Massa is a very fast driver. Bad periods happen to everyone."

The next year, the grid will be full of world champions, besides you there will be Schumacher, Alonso, Hamilton, Button and Vettel. In your opinion who is the strongest?
"My opinion Is that it is completely irrelevant. It will be good for F1. But in the end we will not change anything, we all start from scratch. Perhaps those who have a global bulletin board should handle a little 'more pressure, a little' more expectation from the fans, but for those used to drive an F1 car is nothing. In the end, I think that whoever has the fastest car, wins. "

What do you think of "Vettel phenomenon"?
"It is very fast. But there are also three seasons that he has the best car."

Have you ever thought to stop driving?
"Well, in those days, after the end of Ferrari I did. To completely change my life, perhaps to do motocross, or something else. But it did not last long. The time to hop on a car again."

Courtesy: WHATEVER

The test did not bring any surprises to Räikkönen

2012-01-27T19:03:00.003-02:00

Lotus driver Kimi Räikkonen says Valencia test convinced him that a successful return to Formula One series can work out

Räikkönen tested earlier this week in Valencia, Spain, Renault team's two years old car. Testing abolished concerns of the Finnish driver.

- I was a little worried that the sport to have gone ahead. Frankly, Monday and Tuesday did not bring any surprises. The feeling was the same as before, Räikkönen told to French L'Equipe newspaper.

- The old reflexes and the touch came back really quickly. Of course, it took a little time to find the limits, but on Tuesday, everything went much better. Certainly there is still room for improvement, added Räikkönen.

The Finnish driver is already eagerly waiting the races of upcoming formula season.

- This sport has a lot of things I do not like. However, when I'm racing everything is OK. I love to race against other drivers. In that I'm at my best and I get the most enjoyment, said Räikkönen.

Source:MTV3
Courtesy: reppo

Relaxed driver, relaxed team

2012-01-27T18:53:00.003-02:00

According to Kimi Räikkönen it's much more nicer in Lotus than it was in Ferrari and McLaren.

Kimi Räikkönen doesn't miss his boss Ron Dennis from his McLaren-times or Ferrari's boss Luca di Montezemolo.

He is already sure that the working peace between the driver and the team will maintain better in Lotus.

- This is a relaxed team. Much more homey and warmer than Ferrari or McLaren. So far I have had really fun with the crew from Lotus and I don't think that the situation will change, Räikkönen said yesterday.

Lotus is getting a new F1-simulator.

- It's going to be better than any other team has. I myself am not going to drive a lot in the simulator. Even if I would drive in the simulator all days I don't believe it would give any advantage in the final games.

Räikkönen is still trying to get permission from Lotus to drive some rallies this year also.

- One can get injured in normal life also but it's understandable that the team is trying to protect their drivers from dangerous hobbies. Maybe we can still reach unanimousity about the rally-matter at some stage.

It is still possible that Räikkönen would drive in Finland's WRC-rally in August.

No Red Bull -plans

According to Räikkönen Lotus isn't a stepping stone to Red Bull.

- I have no plans in Red Bull's direction, Kimi assured.

Räikkönen doesn't see Red Bull or Ferrari as any special challenge.

- If one wants to do well then one has to win everyone. Ferrari hasn't been in the top for a few years. For me it's just a team among other teams.

Source:Ilta-Sanomat (paper edition)
Courtesy: Nicole

Kimi Räikkönen: Wild and free

2012-01-27T14:21:00.004-02:00

Kimi Räikkönen won't ask for permission to drink alcohol

1. Kimi, what's on your mind?

- Nothing. Ask something for God's sake since you have come all the way here.

2. What do you expect from the next tests?

- Difficult to say. We'll see then what the new car is like. I don't think that it's terribly different. I don't know about the tyres. They say that they have changed a bit.

3. What kind of season would you yourself be satisfied with?

- I haven't really thought anything concrete. I see in the tests what the car is like and how good it is. That decides. How it feels, that's a thing you notice right from the first test. At least I have noticed it immediately earlier.

4. You are used to really big teams during your F1-career. Does it show in the operation of Lotus that it's slightly smaller than McLaren and Ferrari?

- No, it's just the same. We have all the same equipment here and hence we also have a chance to make a good car. The same gang who earlier won championships is still here. And physically the team is located in the same place. Maybe it's smaller in the sense that Lotus doesn't have a car factory behind them like Mercedes or Ferrari had.

5. During the last months a few motorbikers have passed away due to an accident. Does a professional driver think more about the sport's dangers and risks when hearing these kinds of news?

- Those are never nice news no matter if you know them or not or if they even are from your own genre's circle. Those just happen. Sadly it's part of many other sports too. Of course anything can happen and happens. Sad things but part of life.

6. You have already won your WDC in Ferrari. From where do you get motivation to continue?

- I have never had any problems with motivation, although everybody always colors things. I have always liked to race. Back in the time there were quite many factors why I started to rally. Now I got a reasonably good chance to drive in F1. I get to race against others again. I guess that's the biggest reason.

7. You have always been an excellent track-racer, but your attitude towards the media has been a bit questionable. On the scale from 1 to 10, how much do you hate these kinds of media-days?

- I don't hate them but they always ask the same questions. They won't change to anything else. If I could decide I wouldn't come here. It's definitely not the first thing that comes to my mind when waking up or something that I would be excited over. But I think it's the same for everyone else too. They probably would rather drive than do other things. If someone claims that they like these things, then I guess he is lying. Of course driving is always the number one thing. I don't have anything against these. Maybe they have made the matter a bit too big.

8. Has Jenni already healed from her riding accident?

- She is better now. She is still in pain but that's normal. It wasn't any serious matter.

9. You have probably without any cause been in the publicity because of alcohol. What is your relation to alcohol now?

- It's just the same as it was before. If I want to go out and have fun, I go. I don't have any problem with it. Nobody forbids me and I don't have to ask anyone for permission.

10. Do you think that you have changed during the years?

- I'm sure every person changes, but I don't think anything bigger has happened in me.

11. In public there is also the understanding that this Lotus-deal would only be a step to Red Bull in either 2013 or 2014. Is it correct?

- I don't have any plans. Lets see how this goes. In F1 everything can change reasonably fast. I hope that we can have fun with the team. At least I have had fun so far.

12. Do you have a two-year deal?

- Yeah, in principle.

Courtesy: Nicole

In Friday's Iltalehti: Räikkönen is wild and free

2012-01-26T22:16:00.004-02:00

Iltalehti grilled Kimi Räikkönen

1. Kimi, what's on your mind?

- Nothing. Ask something for God's sake since you have come all the way here.

2. What do you expect from the next tests?

- Difficult to say. We'll see then what the new car is like. I don't think that it's terribly different. I don't know about the tyres. They say that they have changed a bit.

3. What kind of season would you yourself be satisfied with?

- I haven't really thought anything concrete. I see in the tests what the car is like and how good it is. That decides. How it feels, that's a thing you notice right from the first test. At least I have noticed it immediately earlier.

4. You are used to really big teams during your F1-career. Does it show in the operation of Lotus that it's slightly smaller than McLaren and Ferrari?

- No, it's just the same. We have all the same equipment here and hence we also have a chance to make a good car. The same gang who earlier won championships is still here. And physically the team is located in the same place. Maybe it's smaller in the sense that Lotus doesn't have a car factory behind them like Mercedes or Ferrari had.

What does Räikkönen think about the sport's dangers? Then what is Räikkönen's relationship to alcohol? Read all answers to these questions and to several other Kimi-questions in Friday's Iltalehti!

Courtesy: Nicole

Kimi Räikkönen primed for Formula One comeback with Lotus

2012-01-26T14:57:00.005-02:00

Kimi Räikkönen says he had no trouble re-adapting to a Formula 1 car in his first test this week after two years away from the sport

The Finn, world champion for Ferrari in 2007, completed two days of running with his new team Lotus in Valencia.

"I was expecting it to feel faster than it was," said the 32-year-old, who has spent the last two years in rallying.

"OK, Valencia is not the fastest circuit, but it was still pretty normal."

Raikkonen, who was speaking in an exclusive interview with the BBC's new F1 commentator Ben Edwards, said the car did not feel especially fast.

"I was expecting it to feel fast when you really go with the throttle but I had the sensation maybe once," he said.

Nor, he said, did he suffer any neck pains, despite the high G-forces of an F1 car - which can reach 5G during braking and around the fastest corners.

"I don't feel in the neck any stiffness," Raikkonen said. "I probably expected to have more problems in the neck but I didn't really have any."

Raikkonen was driving a two-year-old car because F1's testing restrictions forbid teams running current cars outside official tests.

That meant the team was unable to establish definitively whether he was on the pace, although trackside operations director Alan Permane told BBC Sport that "from the first run he was pretty much there."

Raikkonen will make his debut in the team's 2012 car at the first pre-season test in Jerez on 7 February.

He refused to set any targets and ambitions for his first season with his new team, who finished fifth in the constructors' championship in 2011.

"We try to do as well as we can of course in every race, but it's very difficult to say," he said.

"We have to see how the car is in the testing and go from there.

"Hopefully we can have a good car to challenge in front and that would be nice, but if not we try to improve it and go to the front.

"The team has everything we need to produce a good car. We are not missing something that's the reason we don't have a good car.

"The people are very keen to have a good year. The atmosphere is great, it is a bit more family like than in other big teams, very nice people to work with and I've been enjoying it so far."

Raikkonen said the main reason for his return to F1 was that he was missing wheel-to-wheel competition.

"Racing is the biggest thing, that's why I've probably come back," he said. "That's really the main thing."

Source: BBC Sports

Kimi about his new team: There is a more homey atmosphere here

2012-01-26T14:51:00.003-02:00

Kimi Räikkönen gave MTV3 an exclusive interview in Switzerland.

Kimi Räikkönen is after the first tests assured of his new employer Lotus-team's atmosphere and action.

- There is a clearly different working atmosphere here than there has been in my earlier teams. Here there are no uptight people, the atmosphere here is much more homey, Kimi Räikkönen said to MTV3.

The man has raced in three teams earlier: Sauber, McLaren and Ferrari.

- There are as many people here as there are in other teams also. Everybody is working for the same matter, everybody is trying to do their best. The next tests tell what the car is like, Räikkönen said.

Source: MTV3
Courtesy: Nicole

Kimi Räikkönen:"In F1 everything can change damn quickly"

2012-01-26T14:46:00.002-02:00

They have speculated with Kimi Räikkönen's comeback to F1 ever since he left the serie in 2009. Yet part of the audience was astonished when the comeback with Lotus was finally confirmed.

They pondered why a WDC makes a contract with a team that according to preliminary estimations has no chance of fighting for victories.

However the decision to come back was very Räikkö-ish. He is used to making his own decisions without caring what others think. And now Räikkönen felt like going back to F1.

– Now was a good chance to drive in F1 again, he said on Thursday.

– The coolest thing about the comeback is when getting to race against the others.

Räikkönen assures that his motivation is top class.

– I have never had any problems with motivation. Still many seem to color that matter.

It has been speculated that the Lotus-seat would only be a temporary seat for Räikkönen on his way up to the top teams. Räikkönen doesn't admit or deny this. According to him the Lotus-deal is "in principle 2-years".

– I don't have any long-term plans. Lets see how it goes with Lotus. But in F1 everything can change damn quickly, he said.

Source: MTV3
Courtesy: Nicole

Lotus won't let Kimi on rally paths

2012-01-26T14:41:00.004-02:00

In rally Kimi Räikkönen went to ditches but also flashed his speed

He didn't achieve the sharpest top which wasn't any big surprise. Mikko Hirvonen for example stated when Räikkönen's rally-career began that Kimi can't get in the topspeed just by snapping fingers, because he lacked the required experience of the roads and driving to notes.

People took Räikkönen's adventure in WRC a little bit too seriously. Of course Räikkönen drove at times with a goal, however rally became a hobby for him. Still a part of those following Räikkönen also expected podium positions from him in rally too.

– I never wanted to try rally as anything else than just a hobby. I didn't have much expectations. At times I drove in the forest and the ditch but I'm still satisfied with my achievements in rally.

– I paid myself for my hobby. Hence I could decide myself if I would go to some rally or not. I didn't want to take it too seriously, Räikkönen said.

Despite his F1-comeback Räikkönen is still a passionate rally man.

– If I could continue driving rally at the same time as racing in F1, then I would do so. However now I have to wait for a while until driving rally again.

Lotus has bad experiences of their driver's rallying hobby, hence Räikkönen has to control his passion. Robert Kubica's accident is fresh in the memory.

– The team is now quite on guard with these things. But the same seems to happen in other teams also, Räikkönen thought.

Source: MTV3
Courtesy: Nicole

Räikkönen bangs: Of course my goal is to win the WDC

2012-01-26T14:36:00.002-02:00

Kimi Räikkönen doesn't make his F1-comeback with the tail between his legs. The man who is known as a silent hero told on Thursday in Zürich that he returns to F1 only to win his career's second WDC.

– Of course the championship is my goal. You always go after it but another WDC is not any obsession for me, Räikkönen said.

They have predicted Räikkönen a difficult season in Lotus-team after his rallying adventures, but the Iceman refuses to take the role of someone who is cooling off.

Räikkönen has often stated that as a racing driver he was only interested in the victories. That thought is still strong although Lotus isn't one of the top teams based upon preliminary estimations.

– I don't drive just because it's cool to drive. It's abnormal if you aren't reaching for victory.

– One can't be terribly happy over 2nd or 3rd positions. But it isn't possible to always win, one has to learn to relate to other things than just winning, Räikkönen said.

Tests in Jerez tell a lot

Despite his tough goal Räikkönen is not starting the season bragging. He was away for 2 years and one can't say much anything about the competitiveness of Lotus before they have tested the new car.

– It's possible that we are behind the lead. But the car wasn't terribly good on my last season in Ferrari either.

– In Lotus they know approximately what went wrong last season. Lets hope they have learned from their mistakes so we get a good package.

Räikkönen thinks he is wiser about his chances to succeed after the tests in Jerez.

– Usually the first tests with the new car tell what the pace is compared to others. If the car feels good right from the beginning then it's often also the most competitive car.

Source: MTV3
Courtesy: Nicole

Hembery believes that a short learning period is enough for Räikkönen

2012-01-25T21:47:00.004-02:00

As a new user of Pirelli F1-tyres is Kimi Räikkönen who returns to the tracks. This way the Italian brand has as the first one in F1-history six world champions at the same time.

Pirelli got praisal for last season's colorful races in F1. Now the expectations are even higher.

Turun Sanomat was offered an opportunity to interview Pirelli Motorsport's manager Paul Hembery.

Six WDCs in the serie, is F1 now having their highest level of all times?

– I think so - considering that there is also a bunch of talented drivers who haven't won the championship. The level is very tough, maybe the toughest one we have ever seen. If the cars' level is also as tough and their performance ability touches the sky, then we can expect a number of amazingly great races, Hembery thinks.

Räikkönen had time to drive during WRC-season 2010 with Pirelli's tyres. How well does Hembery know Kimi?

– We didn't especially get to know each other although our team did. I met Kimi twice. He is a silent guy and normally we strive to keep a distance to all drivers. We aren't looking for someone to chat with. The drivers come to us when they need something.

– However it's a good thing for Kimi that he has experience of working with us. Based upon that he understands that we strive to deliver a reliable top service to everybody.

Räikkönen drove with Pirelli tyres for the first time in Valencia. How did they follow the test from Pirelli?

– Not at all because it was Lotus-team's own thing, Hembery said.

Sensitivity of the car will help Kimi

Will the changes made to the tyres for this year help Räikkönen reach the advantage other drivers have after working for years with Pirelli?

– I have seen Kimi's comments both before and after the test in Valencia about how he has to learn the tyres. That is a big difference compared to others when looking at it from his side. However Kimi is one of the most exceptional drivers of all times that we have seen in this sport, so I belive he will learn everything quickly.

– Kimi is so sensitive in the car that he quickly understands how the tyre works, how it's worn out and how he has to tend them. Of course the team also guides him now that Kimi has to focus on different aspects to which he got used to while driving earlier in F1, Hembery summed up.

Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole

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

2012-01-25T17:49:00.002-02:00

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

Photos: Kimi Räikkönen drives 2010 Renault in private F1 test at Valencia

2012-01-24T23:04:00.000-02:00

The ‘Iceman’, 2007 world champion with Ferrari and winner of 18 races in his time with the Italian team and McLaren, is returning to Formula One this season after two years in the world rally championship

Source: LotusRenaultGP, Facebook, F1Zone Net

Kimi is back: to comb the dolls?

2012-01-24T11:03:00.004-02:00

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

Video: Lotus F1 Team, Kimi Räikkönen running, Valencia, 23-01-12

2012-01-23T20:33:00.002-02:00

Kimi Räikkönen, Lotus F1 Team's new driver, was back at the wheel of an F1 car for the first time since 2009 today, in Valencia

Source: lrgptv

Kimi Räikkönen's testing debut delights new Lotus team

2012-01-23T20:28:00.003-02:00

Lotus revealed former world champion Kimi Räikkönen made an encouraging start in his first test for the team

The 32-year-old Finn was testing in Valencia on Monday ahead of his return to Formula 1 this year after two years in rallying.

Trackside operations director Alan Permane said: "From the first run he was pretty much there."

Raikkonen said: "It was nice to get back into the car. It's quite a few years since I last drove."

Raikkonen was driving a two-year-old Renault R30 at Valencia's Ricardo Tormo circuit in Spain, and will continue into a second day on Tuesday.

He will drive the team's 2012 car for the first time at Jerez in next month's first pre-season test.

Permane added that it was impossible to say whether Raikkonen was fully up to speed as there was no benchmark for the car on that track and on the tyres Raikkonen was using.

It was in a more updated specification than the car that ran at Valencia in pre-season testing in 2010 and the tyres were demo rubber provided by F1's new supplier Pirelli, as opposed to the Bridgestones on which it ran two years ago.

Pemane said: "It's very difficult to know where he should be but he was pretty much on the pace on the first run. He didn't find a whole lot of pace during the day.

"I don't see any reason why he won't be on the pace - you can tell he's a very, very experienced driver.

"It was very clear we were working with a former world champion. It was a good day."

Permane emphasised that the test was purely aimed at getting Raikkonen used to the speed and performance of an F1 car after so long out of the cockpit.

"There's not a lot we can learn [technically]," he said. "It's far more to get him used to the car and comfortable with the team. It's a head start before we get to Jerez."

Raikkonen has a reputation for being taciturn in public, but Lotus did not find him that way at the test.

"He must have two faces - one for [the media]," Permane said. "He's perfectly normal.

"He was very happy to sit and talk about the car for as long as it takes. He's very open."

Raikkonen told Sky Sports News: "Of course it takes a little while to get used to it, but the main driving, turning, braking doesn't take many laps. But learning about the team, the tyres, the car will take some time."

The 2010 car, with which the team's former driver Robert Kubica impressed greatly that season, has been repainted in the black and gold colours adopted by the team since they rebranded themselves from Renault to Lotus last year.

Raikkonen is not allowed to drive a 2011 car because F1's testing restrictions forbid it, but teams are allowed to run outside these rules - which strictly limit testing - as long as the car used is at least two years old.

Raikkonen, who won the world title with Ferrari in 2007, last raced in F1 in 2009. He was dropped by the Italian team at the end of that season in favour of Fernando Alonso and switched to rallying, where he competed without success.

Lotus signed Raikkonen after it became clear that Kubica, who is recovering from serious injuries sustained in a rally crash in early 2011 and then in an accident at home this month, would not be fit to race at the start of this season.

Source: BBC Sports

Räikkönen tests 2010 Renault in Valencia + Video

2012-01-23T14:57:00.004-02:00

Lotus F1 Team driver Kimi Räikkönen was back behind the wheel of a 2010-spec Renault R30 on Monday at the Circuito Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain. Today’s test session was the first day of a two-day private test session to help ease his transition back into Formula 1. The 2007 Formula 1 world champion has not driven a Formula 1 car since the end of the 2009 season, spending the last two years competing in the World Rally Championship.

Räikkönen, who is making his comeback to Formula 1 in 2012, is benefitting from a two-day private testing session in Valencia. The aim of this running is for the Finn to drive as many laps as possible in order to get acquainted with the team and to reacclimatise himself with an Formula 1 car.

Räikkönen took to the track this morning around 0900 CET for his first lap in a black and gold liveried Renault R30 with which was equipped with Pirelli demostration-spec tyres. Räikkönen’s first test with the 2012-spec Lotus along with the 2012 Pirelli tyres will only take place on February 7 at the first winter testing session in Jerez, Spain.

Speaking to Sky Sports News regarding his test, Raikkonen said: “It was nice to get back in a [Formula 1] car. It’s quite a few years since I have driven so of course, it takes a little while to get used to it. But the main driving, braking, turning, the normal things do not take many laps. Of course, I’ve started learning about the car and the team and the tyres and everything, and that will take time but it was nice to finally get back in a Formula 1 car.”

Source: F1 Zone

Todt is happy for Kimi's return to F1-tracks

2012-01-22T16:38:00.003-02:00

A year ago Jean Todt went to Sweden to ask what Kimi Räikkönen's feelings are before the opening of WRC-season. Now he is smiling in Monte Carlo because Räikkönen is coming back to F1-tracks.

– I am happy for Kimi. I am happy that Kimi is happy. It's a splendid thing for F1 to get one WDC more to this year's season, Todt praised with a happy smile on his face to Turun Sanomat.

– First and foremost I wish Kimi good luck in the races.

The car decides Kimi's results

Does Todt believe that Räikkönen still does better in F1 than in WRC?

– Surely F1 is more of Kimi's own territory. There he is an expert. Of course the results depend upon the car he is driving with. If Kimi has a fast car he goes fast. If the car isn't that fast then he doesn't go that fast. Unfortunately, Todt thought.

Source: Turun Sanomat
Courtesy: Nicole

Lotus reveals 2012 car launch date

2012-01-20T21:15:00.005-02:00

The team will unveil its 2012 challenger on February 5 & 6

Lotus F1 announced that it will unveil its 2012 contender via its new website on Sunday 5th February at 17h00 CET. The unveiling will also mark the launch of the team’s new website.

Furthermore, an event will be held on Monday 6th February, 13H00 local time, in the paddock of the Circuito de Jerez (Spain). This will be followed by a press conference with Kimi Räikkönen, Romain Grosjean, Technical Director James Allison, and Team Principal / Managing Director Eric Boullier.

Media will be able to see the 2012 car on track with Kimi Räikkönen at the wheel on the same day from 14H00 local time.

The event in Jerez will take place in the specially-built Lotus F1 Team dome structure situated in the car park area within the paddock.

The team’s provisional winter testing programme is as follows (subject to changes):

JEREZ; 7 – 10 February:
07 February: Kimi Räikkönen
08 February: Kimi Räikkönen
09 February: Romain Grosjean
10 February: Romain Grosjean

BARCELONA; 21 – 24 February:
21 February: Romain Grosjean
22 February: Romain Grosjean
23 February: Kimi Räikkönen
24 February: Kimi Räikkönen

BARCELONA; 1 – 4 March:
01 March: Romain Grosjean
02 March: Romain Grosjean
03 March: Kimi Räikkönen
04 March: Kimi Räikkönen

Source: NextgenAuto

Is Hamilton contemplating move to Red Bull?

2012-01-19T12:11:00.002-02:00

It is not certain Lewis Hamilton will stay with the McLaren team beyond this year, according to 1996 world champion Damon Hill.

Although 2008 title winner Hamilton regularly pledges his loyalty to the famous British team, his contract runs out this year and last season he had talks with Christian Horner in the Red Bull motor home.

“It may be he will seek to move from McLaren,” pondered 51-year-old Hill, according to the Telegraph.

Earlier this week, former Williams driver Hill urged fellow Briton Hamilton to better manage his F1 career alongside his often troubled private life.

Part of improving that focus might involve leaving McLaren, suggested Hill, referring to the Woking based team that began grooming Hamilton for F1 stardom when he was a boy.

“It (leaving) may be something he feels he needs to do, which will be a bit like leaving home as he’s been there since he was 13,” said Hill.

“If I was Bernie (Ecclestone) I would probably want to see Lewis at Red Bull with Vettel.”

Source: YallaF1

Alonso fired up by Räikkönen return

2012-01-19T09:02:00.002-02:00

Fernando Alonso believes that the return of Kimi Räikkönen will raise the game for 2012 and believes that there are more than a dozen drivers capable of winning races this season.

Alonso told TotalRace: “The fact that six champions will be on the grid raises the level of the championship. This makes me happy because it provides a big challenge and the desire to do well in a year with so many champions is higher for everyone.”

“Kimi’s return is certainly a very great news for all of us, not only to Formula 1, but also for the spectators, for people who love the races, because he is a very talented driver. I have always respected him and a driver you can trust racing wheel to wheel,” commented the 2005 and 2006 F1 world champion who replaced the Finn at Maranello for the 2010 season.

“We are 12 grand prix winners on the grid this season. So there are about 14 drivers capable of winning a race on Sunday if their car is any good. This could be great fun for the fans,” added Alonso.

Source: YallaF1

Alonso: Vettel still slightly below the level of Hamilton

2012-01-18T16:22:00.002-02:00

Lewis Hamilton is better than Sebastian Vettel, is the sensational claim of Hamilton’s former nemesis and McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso.

Like Ferrari driver Alonso, Vettel is now a back-to-back world champion, while Briton Hamilton’s only title was won in 2008.

But Spaniard Alonso thinks Hamilton is better than the Red Bull star.

“Lewis is so fast, aggressive, totally focused. He is interested only in victory. Sebastian has not quite reached that level,” he told Germany’s Sport Bild.

“I know he is a two time world champion, but he is still slightly below the level of Lewis,” added Alonso.

According to 1996 world champion Damon Hill, however, Hamilton was not focused enough last season.

“Lewis needs to show that he can manage his private life as well as being a professional racing driver,” Hill is quoted by the Sun.

“He will be the first to admit that he had some distractions last season and we will see if he can address those.”

Source: YallaF1

Hamilton gears up for new season with garish photoshoot

2012-01-10T16:56:00.003-02:00

Lewis Hamilton admitted he was looking forward to seeing the back of 2011 after enduring the worst season of his Formula One career.

But judging by these set of pictures, the McLaren star has made a somewhat precarious start to the New Year.

Hamilton, who has reportedly been busy recording an R&B album during the off-season, modelled a number of garish outfits for the February edition of American GQ.

The 27-year-old fell short in his bid to stop Sebastian Vettel winning back-to-back world titles last season.
And judging by the length of his trousers in this photoshoot that theme is set to continue into 2012.

Apparently Hamilton is sporting the 'layering trend' – a look, we're told, that's set to take the fashion world by storm this year.
'I love it in the States,' Hamilton is quoted as saying in the American magazine.

'The roads are big, the food is big. If it was possible to be in L.A. and still live my racing life, I would move now.'

After these set of snaps, Lewis you may have left yourself little option...

Source: DailyMail

Wrooom 2012 gets underway

2012-01-09T15:36:00.002-02:00

Madonna di Campiglio, 9 January –The 22nd running of Wrooom, the Press Ski Meeting organised by Philip Morris International gets underway this evening at the Salone Hofer in Madonna di Campiglio, signaling the imminent arrival of a new season for Formula 1 and MotoGP.

Tonight sees the traditional welcome dinner, featuring members of Scuderia Ferrari and their two-wheeled colleagues from the Ducati team. Also in attendance will be the Maranello team drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, the Spaniard making his third visit to this event dating back to 2010, while the Brazilian is now a veteran on the snow covered peaks of Campiglio. Awaiting everyone is a week of spectacle, sport and meetings with the international media, all set against the background of the Dolomites.

Friday is the day for ice racing on the lake, when Giancarlo Fisichella and Marc Gene will also attend. Journalists from around eighty different media from a dozen countries are expected, with interview sessions for the Ferrari men getting underway on Wednesday morning, when Team Principal Stefano Domenicali will be under the spotlight, while on Thursday it will be Alonso and Massa’s turn.

Source: Ferrari.com

Räikkönen has full bust-up in training

2012-01-09T15:22:00.001-02:00

F1-immigrant Kimi Räikkönen can once again train with full steam. On Sunday it was precisely 10 weeks before the opening GP in Australia 2012.

On Saturday again it was 4 weeks when the new Lotus-driver hurt his left wrist after falling with the snowmobile in a show in Austria. They protected the hand with a spatula until the new year.

– Because of the hurting wrist we had to change plans a little, but in practice we have been able to keep a short training program of one and a half day all the time, Räikkönen's fysio Mark Arnall explains.

– All work on neck and legs have been fully taken care of - just as the endurance-side also. We have progressed in a very positive manner and Kimi is in a good stitch, Arnall assures.

It doesn't take long to get used to driving

Räikkönen was in Lotus-Renault factory in Enstone on Thursday for a seat-fitting.

– First it was a bit weird to sit in a F1-*** No swearing *** with the helmet on after a long time. However I got used to it quickly and it has felt the same before too when being in a seat-fitting for a new car, Räikkönen confessed.

The new car will be on the testing track on 7th of February in Jerez, but before that Räikkönen will get used to F1-driving by driving a Renault from year 2010 for two days during January 23-24th on Ricardo Tormo -track in Valencia.

Räikkönen has often before started his winter testing after a few months winter vacation. Now he has had a break of two years and three months.

– I think I will get used to driving itself after 10-15 laps but there's more to learn about everything else, Räikkönen thinks.

Räikkönen gets to try this year's new Pirelli-tyres only after the winter testing has begun - meaning he will be on the same line as all the other racing drivers.

Neck strong only by driving

Arnall has taken care of Räikkönen's training programs and wellbeing for ten years already, which is a record-long period of time in today's F1-racing.

– We already know from before that we can do everything else except strenghten the neck muscles. They will strenghten to the level required only by driving a F1-car, Arnell emphasizes.

Räikkönen has has for a several years in his home in Switzerland a driving vehicle built by Technogym, a vehicle that is as close to F1-driving as possible.

– There the driver gets in the right driving position and the muscles are strained the same way as if he would drive on the track. Only neck muscles can't be strenghtened as much as with a real F1-car because of the lacking G-forces, Arnall said.

Räikkönen has eight days before Australia's opening GP. After Valencia's private testing he will drive the first two days with the new car in Jerez and then four days later in Barcelona, where they divide driving tasks with French team mate Romain Grosjean.

If there are no technical problems then he can drive 3500-4000 kilometers in eight days.

– Eight days isn't much but that's what everybody else also gets. It sort of helps Kimi in a way that the track in Albert Park isn't one of the most toughest one. This way he will get three more driving days to strenghten his neck for places that are physically more demanding, Arnall thinks.
Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole

Hamilton confident of stronger 2012

2012-01-05T19:05:00.001-02:00

Lewis Hamilton hopes to take the fight to Red Bull during the 2012 F1 season

Lewis Hamilton says he is confident of a stronger showing from his McLaren team during the 2012 F1 season as the Briton looks to take the fight to Red Bull and defending champion Sebastian Vettel.

Hamilton endured a difficult 2011 campaign as, despite three victories, he was unable to challenge for the championship crown and suffered a series of set-backs both on and off track over the course of the campaign.

Having suffered a raft of problems with the MP4-26 prior to the start of 2011, McLaren will now hope there is no repeat when the new MP4-27 hits the track for the first time in pre-season testing next month – with Hamilton confident it can be the car to take the fight to Red Bull.

"It will be up to us to be able to surpass it [the new Red Bull]," he told Gazzetta dello Sport "From what I've seen, however, the new McLaren seems a lot better than last year's.

"Basically, the Red Bull is an evolution of the aerodynamic concepts introduced in 2009. Midway through 2011 it was phenomenal, it was at the highest level and on top of that it almost never broke down. By contrast, when we had the same reliability, we lacked the same performance."

Hamilton added that he was keen to try and hit the ground running when the new season gets underway in Melbourne to ensure that he doesn't find himself playing catch-up in the title race.

"During the winter you always dream of arriving at the start of the season with a car that goes quick immediately," he said. "This hasn't happened in the last two seasons. I want it to happen this year. If we start well, we'll stay at the top more easily."

Source: Crash.net

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

2012-01-05T16:21:00.005-02:00

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

2012-01-05T15:09:00.006-02:00

“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

Lewis Hamilton records secret R&B album

2012-01-03T12:55:00.003-02:00

Lewis Hamilton doesn't spend his free time watching Top Gear or playing Out Run

He's been secretly renting a top west London studio to record R&B tracks.

The McLaren F1 star is a huge music fan and wanted the opportunity to lay down some of his own material using state-of-the-art facilities — which have also been used by superstars including Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue.

But sadly we won't be hearing any of his singing. It's just for his own pleasure.

A source said: "Not many people know Lewis has been making music in his spare time.

"He's really into his R&B and has been cutting lots of songs that fit in with his taste. At the moment he's fully focused on F1 so it's unlikely any of the tracks will be made public.

"But he's had good feedback from the few people who have heard them."

Lewis has been renting the whole complex to ensure he's not spotted by anyone.

It costs a few bob but the millionaire former world champion is hardly short of cash.

It's a shame he doesn't fancy handing out some of his CDs to radio stations, or even posting tracks online.

He wouldn't be the first F1 driver to try pop stardom.

Another former world champion, Jacques Villeneuve released an album in 2007 called Private Paradise.

Naturally it bombed — but that shouldn't put Lewis off.

Other sportsmen at the top of their game have had more success in the music biz. Boxer Manny Pacquiao released a cover of ballad Sometimes When We Touch, which got to No19 in the US Billboard Charts this year.

And who could forget Paul Gasgoigne's collaboration with Lindisfarne in 1990, when Fog On The Tyne reached No2 in the UK charts?

If a pop career isn't for Lewis, at least he will have plenty of driving music to listen to when he's bombing around the track.

It'll make a nice change from listening to The Chain by Fleetwood Mac on repeat for 60-odd laps.
Source: The Sun

Happy Birthday Michael Schumacher!

2012-01-03T09:01:00.003-02:00

On 3 December 1969 Michael Schumacher was born in Hürth, North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany and today he celebrates his 43rd anniversary.

Schumacher is the oldest driver currently racing in Formula 1, having started racing karts at the age of six. Since then he has etched his name in the history of motorsport by breaking just about every F1 record on his way to claiming seven world titles, 91 wins, 154 podiums out of 287 starts.

Schumacher spent 2007 to 2009 in ‘retirement’ before accepting a deal to return to the F1 scene with Mercedes GP who he has raced for since and will do in 2012 and perhaps even in 2013.

Source: YallaF1

Vettel and Pärmäkoski will part as best friends

2011-12-31T14:13:00.003-02:00

Tommi Pärmäkoski became Sebastian Vettel's trainer in October 2008. Back then he was a 21-year old GP-winner driving in Toro Rosso - but the media hadn't yet squashed the guy who had the face of a child.

– Sebastian became known by everyone during his first Red Bull-season when he won several races and came in 2nd in the driver's serie, Pärmäkoski remembers.

After that he has had takers like an unmarried man in the ladies dance.

Vettel and Pärmäkoski had time to conquer the F1-world thoroughly. During three Red Bull -seasons he got two WDCs after 55 races, one silver, 20 victories, 35 podiums, 29 pole positions, 40 starts in the front row, 9 fastest laps and the incredible amount of 732 WC-points.

Next season Vettel starts with a new trainer because Pärmäkoski starts working for Finland's icehockey union's management team, where he will start coaching the girls national league on January 1st in Kuortane.

Now is a good time to reflect on this seamless duo's time together.

What does Pärmäkoski remember from his first meeting with Vettel?

– I probably remember the meeting forever. Sebastian flew to Finland in autumn, he was just so natural and normal when he came to me to shake hands. We chatted for a moment and got to know each other a little. I got immediately an image of a really friendly and kind guy.

– That kindness is really genuine although Sebastian can have almost a killer-nature on the track again.

Pärmäkoski praises that he will probably never face a sportsman who is as determined and top-talented.

– Sebastian is in no way any German machine. The level of his motivation and committment is massively high. First and most it's the hunger with which he does everything, it's totally 100 %. And if something we do doesn't immediately go the best way, then he does it for as long until he has learned it. He demands to get that opportunity again and if he fails again then he just tries again. He has an exceptional competitive urge, Pärmäkoski said.

He will remember forever the thanking in Suzuka

The Finnish trainer got the most touching thanks in a live tv-program after Vettel had sealed his title in Suzuka.

– There are so many I want to thank. However I will take up one name, which has been really important to me during the whole year. I spend most of my time with my trainer Tommi Pärmäkoski. Thanks to him and to his family in Finland. They have a great son who has a good heart. Tommi has all the time kept my thoughts away from all that is irrelevant and he hasn't let me float after good results, Vettel said.

– I didn't hear it live but it didn't take long before someone already came to tell me what the dude had said. Of course it was a special thing for me and my family. It was Sebastian's way of thanking but then again as a gesture it was even greater. It would have been enough if he had said 'thank you' to me in private, Pärmäkoski reminded.

– My part was a tiny miny part in a huge puzzle. F1 is a group sport where you need a good car designer, a good mechanic who can tune it and a good engineer who can put things going in the right direction. When all pieces fall in place it's up to the driver how he succeeds. Hence all credit for the WDC has to be given to Sebastian himself.

Then how does the ex-trainer see his protegé's continuance?

– Of course one has to hope that the development still goes forward in the same positive way. Hopefully Sebastian will never be really ready and has hunger to continue on the path he has chosen.

– At least Sebastian knows now what it took to get to the top and which kind of pieces it really requires. It's up to himself to do it again and again - to each year be just a little bit better and go forward once again.

Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole

Vettel challenges Räikkönen in badminton

2011-12-31T14:00:00.002-02:00

World Champion Sebastian Vettel throws a challenge to Kimi Räikkönen who is now returning to the playfield.

Vettel has finetuned his skills in badminton during the whole time Kimi has been in WRC. The men's challenge games in the badminton field have already been known for years.

Vettel has never won Räikkönen in badminton but according to his longtime game-buddy Tommi Pärmäkoski, Vettel believes he will also beat Kimi on the playfield in future.

– Sebastian asked me to say hello to Kimi, to tell him that he is ready whenever it suits Kimi. Sebastian has improved a lot during these two years and he believes that whereas Kimi is a bit rusty, he again is much more better than before. He boasts wondering if Kimi will even score one point anymore, Pärmäkoski said throwing more water on the challenge -sauna heater.

– However Kimi is damn good and talented in every way, Pärmäkoski admitted.

Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole

Räikkönen gets a big window in Lotus' development work

2011-12-31T13:54:00.002-02:00

The new year has begun - and I'm sure Kimi Räikkönen who is coming back to F1-circles feels his withdrawal symptoms get less and the challenges piling up in the familiar Grand Prix -stars' style.

Lotus-Renault's team manager Eric Boullier summarized last season's downhill telling that the biggest reason was top driver Robert Kubica's injury in a rally accident in the middle of winter testing.

They saw in Renault how big the impact of a leading driver like Kubica was when the team lacked a mentally top tough doer like him who was irreplacable with his commitment. They badly needed Kubica's experience and attitude in R31-car's development work.

It's not difficult to make the conclusion that last season's experiences had a substantial influence when the team owner Gerard Lopez and team manager Boullier sealed so quickly the deal with Räikkönen.

Räikkönen's negotiations with Williams toppled and the Finn turned to Renault before the GP-weekend in Abu Dhabi. The contract was published three weeks later.

– Kimi is a world champion and they expect him to take the team forward with his own input and by the challenge of young Romain Grosjean, Steve Robertson said.

The ability to strike was maintained during season 2010

In 2010 season's second race in Australia Kubica came in 2nd and he was 3rd in Belgium and 5th in Abu Dhabi.

Last season Vitali Petrov and Nick Heidfeld snatched podium positions in the season's two first races but after that came a steep fall and for the rest of the season Renault was then racing with Lotus who had no points.

If the design department in Enstone factory led by manager James Allison will once again bring a competitive car on the track, then it's on Räikkönen's shoulders to see that the development work goes more positively than it did last season. If the car is slow, then even Midas couldn't turn it's competitiveness into gold.

Räikkönen is ouzing enthusiasm for work. According to himself his motivations is higher than ever before.

– I am happy when an opportunity like this happened. Kimi really wanted to come back. When you are away for a while you notice how much you miss back. Kimi still has a lot to give to this sport, Robertson says.

Räikkönen's WDC is from year 2007. His latest victory is from Belgium in 2009. Next season they will have three tracks - Korea, India and Austin - where Kimi has never drove. Mostly he needs to get used to Pirelli's tyres which are completely different from those Michelins and Bridgestones he knows most about.

Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole

Luca: I wouldn't swap Alonso for anyone

2011-12-27T08:41:00.000-02:00

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has lavished praise on Sebastian Vettel, but insists he wouldn't swap Fernando Alonso for anyone else

Vettel is the hottest property on the Formula One grid after becoming the sport's youngest back-to-back World Champion this year. This year he claimed 15 pole positions and 11 race victories as he blew his competitors away.

Despite being impressed by Vettel's pace and intelligence, the Ferrari boss feels Spaniard Alonso is the "strongest driver around".

"He's [Vettel] a smart lad. I like how he behaves, and if I have to chose between drivers with equal skill I'll always take the one with the better head," Di Montezemolo is quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport

"However, today I wouldn't trade Alonso for anyone, because in a race he's the strongest driver around."

Di Montezemolo was also praised McLaren's Jenson Button, saying he "had an exceptional season and with [Lewis] Hamilton was part of the strongest partnership of the season." He was also impressed by Mercedes' Nico Rosberg "who had two good seasons despite having a car that wasn't very competitive" and Vettel's Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber "who has always done his job".

Source: Planet-F1

Berger is surprised if Kimi's selfcontrol and ambition falls in place

2011-12-26T22:22:00.002-02:00

Gerhard Berger told in Austrian ORF-television channel's interview that he thinks Räikkönen's comeback is 50 % possible.

According to Berger Räikkönen is a nice fellow who will bring more color to the F1-serie. However it requires hard work in order to make it successful.

- He should surely reduce his vodka-drinking. Of course he announces himself that he will give his everything but I would be surprised if his selfcontrol and ambition would fall in place. F1 is hard work and we will see if he has the will for it, Berger commented to ORF.

At the same time Berger emphasized that he hopes Räikkönen's comeback would succeed.

Source: autotoday.fi
Courtesy: Nicole

Formule1’s magazine: KIMI RÄIKKÖNEN’S COMEBACK

2011-12-25T14:01:00.004-02:00

THE SECOND ICETIME
(Written by Ronald van Dam)

Another ex-worldchampion returns to Formula 1. After 2 years of hobbying in the WRC, Kimi realized he missed wheel-to wheel racing, and so Kimi’s sacret fire came back.

When Kimi Räikkönen closed the formula 1 door after 2009, it didn’t seem for any moment he would ever come back to the top class of circuitracing. His third season with Ferrari went laborious.
The Flying finn only scored 1 victory, 4 podium places, a anonymous 12th position in his last race and a even so laborious 6th place in the world championship.
The only victory in Spa was certainly a good one.
For Ferrari, appearently it wasn’t enough. They hired Fernando Alonso. Not Felipe Massa, but Kimi Raikkonen had to give room to Alonso.
‘’Only when I get a top seat, I’ll stay in F1’’, That’s what Kimi said, realizing that all of those places were occupied. However, he was already done with all the obligations of being a F1 driver.
Raikkonen obviously has never been a lover of press conferences, interviews with journalists, sponsor activities and all the other things he had to do.
This writer knows it. In 2004 i got the rare chance to talk to this guy who’s called ‘’The Iceman’’ after many requests. The man with almost the childish voice…
His nickname doesn’t only fit his coolness behind the wheel, but also on the icy silence in his conversations. A British colleague wished me luck. ‘’Do you know Chief, the Indian from the movie One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest?’’, he asked. ‘’He talks more than Kimi, and he couldn’t even talk.’’
Räikkönen was at that time doing his 4th season of his career, the third with McLaren, and in that year, the Mercedes engines died in droves. At the moment of the interview his 4th engine just broke down. Add to this that an Italian journalist in our company, who bragged about the reliability of the Ferrari and Michael Schumacher’s winning streak, spiced up things. As you’ll understand, this would become a laborious interview. First question: How would you describe you season so far, Kimi?
Kimi’s answer:’’difficult’’.
That’s the way it went for at least 10 minutes. 10 minutes, wherein the McLaren driver looked a few times just a little too emphatically on his watch. McLaren’s PR-lady saved us from our suffering.
Räikkönen was in a hurry to get to his fiancee Jenni Dahlman, a former miss Scandinavia with who he’s still been married these days, and his managers David and Steve Robertson. The Finn nodded with a villainous smile in our direction.
Yet again 2 journalists with an illusion less.

NO STRESS

So cool and unfathomable as he seems to be in public, so passionated becomes the iceman behind the wheel from a proper racing car. He becomes another human. It was so already when he was driving the Formula Renault in England. In the winterseries of that class he won in 1999 the first four races in a row and in 2000 he captured his first championship title in the British Formula Renault championship, by winning 7 of the 10 races. In total he grabbed thirteen wins in 23 races, a winning percentage of 56%!
In that period the talented Finn was accompanied by the Dutch ex-driver Gerrit van Kouwen, who was one of the first persons who could be planing the rough diamant.
In 2004 Van Kouwen told before a reporage in this magazine this about Raikkonen: ‘’Brands hatch was Kimi’s first time in a semifactory-Formula Renault car which was prepared for him. On my question to Kimi, if we should change something between the distance to the wheel and the pedals, Kimi only said: ‘’It’s okay’’.
In his first run his best lap he was only .2 seconds off the pace from a real factory car from Van Diemen. Unbelievable!
In his first test at Mugello we had to be on the track at half past 8 in the moring. I wanted to leave early but Kimi said to me: ‘’Wake me up at 10 past 8’’.
Everybody was fussing about his first Formula 1 test, except Kimi himself. He jumped in the car and drove immediately drove a world class time.
The second test day Peter Sauber came to the track, to watch Kimi. Peter first tough about a testing contract, but the Robertsons said: ‘’No, no testing contract. Give him a seat. He’s ready for it.’’
Before that conscious article I spoke to Kimi’s manager Steve Robertson. He described Kimi’s talent this way: ‘’My reason to work with Kimi is his unbelievable judgment that he has already since the start of his career, and his flair in the car. There’s a difference between good and really good, but where I was at the first category, Kimi was a class of his own, another league.’’
The rest is history. With a preliminary superlicense to drive a F1 car (Max Mosley first wanted to see it before he wanted to believe in Kimi) Kimi scored as 21 year old rookie in his first ever GP a point scoring 6th place and immediately a WDC point.
Formula 1 was introduced to an amazing talent. McLaren thanked Sauber warmly for his talent spotting and took the young Finn at the eind of the 2001 season. Raikkonen drove 5 seasons for McLaren wherein hescored 9 GP wins, and the vice championship behind Schumacher in 2003 and 2005.

PARTY ANIMAL

Schumacher temporary retirement made room at Ferrari for Kimi to go there. Ron Dennis probably did not shed a tear because of it. Kimi became a party animal from the most purest type.
As big earner he didn’t have to watch his money. Legendary was his visit to the London’s stripclub, wherein Kimi probably tought the ladies where still dressed too much. Raikkonen decided to make a strip-act himself, but the bouncers didn’t feel much for it and did their jobs. A nice set-off that Steve Robertson wanted to sketch. ‘’Kimi is a quiet boy, who like to sit on the sofa and watch a dvd with Jenni. He doesn’t like to get out, he prefers something which will be delivered instead of going to an expensive restaurant. Actually, Kimi is a homester.’’
Kimi’s transition to Ferrari was a golden move. In his first season was an immediate hit, ironically enough because of his successors at McLaren didn’t want to give each other anything, creaming off points from each other which were much needed. By winning 2007’s last GP in Sao Paulo, Kimi captured the world championship, just 1 point in front of Alonso and Hamilton, mission accomplished.
The following 2 years were laborious, Raikkonen was a wdc, he had nothing to prove. At Ferrari they were flirting with Alonso, back then, a Renault driver again. The Finn however sometimes won a race (Malaysia and Spain) in 2008 and (Spa) in 2009, but the sacret fire was gone, Ferrari’s non winning cars were part of it.
When the Scuderia before the 2010 season, as expected, presented Fernando Alonso, there was no room for the world champion from 2007 left. Kimi didn’t seem to have much desire to race against the Spaniard. He had already shown what he was capable of. Just like Felipe Massa, Kimi had a continuous contract with Ferrari, but Massa could stay and Kimi was ‘’kindly thanked’’ for his services. After this happend, Kimi became the best paid driver without F1 seat. Ferrari had an annual salary for him to leave. ‘’Thanks for all the support for 3 years at SF,’’ he tweeted at the 1st October of 2009, thereafter it became quiet around the finn.

INSIGHT

Away from the press, in the rest of his pre-retirement, Kimi chose to do things which he liked. He did 2 seasons in the WRC. 2 seasons with a Citroen, 1 season with his own team. With his point scoring 8th place in Jordania, Kimi became the first driver after Carlos Reutemann who scored points in both F1 and WRC. Obviously fun in the rallying world, grabbed some points, but never got exceptional results. His last WRC outing ended with a 3rd consecutive retirement. Thereafter, Kimi probably tought, I’m done.
His NASCAR outing in the States can’t be seen as a serious career step as well. In his last NASCAR race at 28/05/2011 Kimi finished in 27th, with parts from others underneath his car and a fine for speeding in the pitlane in his pocket.
His NASCAR adventure didn’t give him any prize money, but gave him one inportant insight.
‘’I missed the wheel-to-wheel racing on track, which is actually more fun than driving against a ticking clock, as in the WRC.’’ Kimi just wanted relax and have wheel-to-wheel fights.
And so ended a tweet silence of 2 years on Tuesday the 29th November of 2011: ‘’Hello everybody, it has been some time, but i am back! Expect more from here in the future.
He just signed a two-year deal with Lotus-Reanult, which will be called Lotus next year and he handled the news as the typical Raikkonen: ‘’I got a telephone call from certain people in the F1. We got a deal, and i’m very happy with it.
In a press release of Lotus-Renault, Kimi said he is more motivated then ever. It won’t be a problem according to Kimi. ‘’Otherwise, i wouldn’t have come back. Everybody always talk about my motivation, but apart from myself i know what i do and i don’t care what others think of my way of doing this. I wouldn’t have signed a contract if i wouldn’t enjoy those years. I never lost passion for F1, but i never had passion from all the things around F1’’. Ohyeah, still just as talkative.

Gerrit van Kouwen
(accompanied Kimi in his Formula Ford years)

‘’I like Kimi’s comeback, because I haven’t seen many races the past few years. With the announcement of Kimi’s comeback, I’ll go and visit a race every now and then, I think. Whether It’s wise to comeback? What’s wise? It’s just like Schumacher, it Kimi will enjoy himself, why not?
After two years of rallying it probably became itchy again for Kimi. I also think that Kimi found out you have to work very very hard to get in the top at the WRC. I don’t know if he was committed enough. It’s not just driving a stage with a few pacenotes: there’s a hell of a lot more to do. Don’t forget you’ll drive against guys who’ve done this all their life.
When you look at pure talent, Kimi is unbeatable. He is ‘’naturally gifted’’, as the English people would say. You’ll notice it when you’re sitting next to him in a car on a public road. As smooth as he drives, his assessment skills… Much will depend on his car, and if Lotus is developing well. How he gets along with the tyres. Kimi like an oversteering car. A car which is pointy, which turns in aggressively. Actually when you turn in, the turn has been made already. Schumacher likes that too, but had troubles with those tyres.’’

Olav Mol
(saw as F1 commentator all 157 races from Räikkönen)

‘’I’d like to see the racer Kimi Räikkönen back. He is one of the guys we’re watching F1 for, if only because we are freed from the Senna’s and Petrov’s in this world.
If it’s gonna be a success? Well, when he gets fun doing it, it can become pretty good fun. The question is what Lotus told him. They say they know in 2 years where they are, and Renault isn’t the winning Renault anymore. There are rumors Kimi has purchased something with Raikkonen-Robertson racing, maybe to give young talents the opportunity to drive. That sounds logic to me. At least Lotus has got a driver who can develop a car, because Heidfeld, Petrov and Senna couldn’t.
There are in the recent past some guys who made a comeback in different racing classes. There was 10 years between his last race and his comeback in Jan Lammers case, the biggest gap ever. While Jacques Villeneuve’s comeback wasn’t a success, Nigel Mansell found out his fat ass didn’t fit in the car anymore. In Michael Schumacher’s case, there’s not much to cheer for.
But Kimi is one of the top class drivers, just like Alonso, Vettel and Hamilton. They’ve got the word racing in their pants tattooed. He misses the F1, he says. He hasn’t got anything to prove anymore. The expectations are not too high and maybe because of that, it’s the perfect moment to come back. Financially he’s completely independent, that’s why you can do crazy things on that age, you’ll get drunk in strip clubs. But he’s older now and has left those things behind him.
Boys like Kimi and Schumacher think F1 is the best there is, something faster on 4 wheels, you can’t find in this world.’’

Formule1.nl magazine, January 2012

RONALD VAN DAM

Courtesy: Andreas

Hamilton: I just want bacon sarnie for Xmas

2011-12-25T12:31:00.003-02:00

When you sit down for Christmas lunch this year, spare a thought for Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton

While you will be tucking into roast turkey and Christmas pud, he will be staring at a plate of brown rice and beans — and not enjoying it one bit.

In an exclusive SunSport interview, Hamilton revealed just how determined he is to make every sacrifice in his quest to rule the Formula One world again.

He said: "I'm so strict — even on Christmas Day I stick to my diet.

"It's a protein shake for breakfast, with a few dates and some raisins — it's horrible, it really is horrible but I just blend it up into a smoothie.

"I sit at the table and I see everyone else having the biggest pile of pancakes, waffles and eggs and bacon and I'm just dying — it's like a punishment for me.

"If I could eat any food I wanted it would be a bacon sandwich, but I know I cannot.

"Lunch would be beans in a sauce with brown rice and then I might have fish or chicken for dinner."

That is the level of determination both Hamilton, 26, and his McLaren team-mate Jenson Button show in their determination to be in peak physical condition for the huge demands of Formula One.

For both drivers, there is a constant battle between trying to keep their weight low and their strength high.

Button, who is 6ft tall yet weighs just 11st, said: "The team want me to be lighter than I actually should be — basically, I don't eat carbohydrates, unless I'm training hard.

"In the morning, I just have protein, which means breakfast is pretty much eggs every morning.

"I was quite heavy last winter so I went to see a specialist training company and told them I needed to lose weight, but without losing strength.

"They gave me this diet, which initially shocked me. Basically, it's eggs and steak for breakfast, but no carbohydrates.

"I could only eat carbs for one meal, stuff like brown rice or sweet potato. I lost four per cent of body fat in three weeks and I have not put it back on."

Every Formula One team is desperate for its drivers to be as light as possible.

Car and driver together have to be a minimum weight of 640kg, so the less the driver weighs, the more technical gizmos can be put on the car.

McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale said: "The team wanted to change the drivers' race suits during the season and add an extra logo.

"That would have added 37 grammes to the weight and I had a heated argument about it. We want the drivers to be as light as they can be, because that gives us more leeway with what we can put on the car."

Both Hamilton and Button, 31, adopt strict training regimes through the winter.

And they are designed to achieve that perfect balance of weight and strength for the start of the season in Melbourne on March 18.

Hamilton, world champion in 2008, will spend most of the winter in Colorado with his close family friend and personal trainer Antti Vierula, while Button will be in Hawaii with girlfriend Jessica Michibata and personal trainer Mike Collier.

Hamilton said: "A typical pre-season training day for me will be in the mountains.

"We'll either do 4½ hours hiking up the mountain and then we run down it — and that's through deep snow.

"It's very hard work — or we'll go cross-country skiing. We come back, have lunch, rest for an hour and then head into the gym, where we do a lot of core stability work and weightlifting.

"In the evenings, we'll go to the pool and swim laps, which is more for cooling down.

"Then we'll do some really good stretching, more like pilates, and by 8-8.30pm I'm dead. And that's how it is six days a week."

Button, who won the world crown in 2009, is a seriously good triathlete, who harbours ambitions to qualify for the Ironman World Championships in his age group.

To be an Ironman, you have to swim 2.4 miles, bike another 112 miles — and then run a marathon.

Button admits he hated training when he first broke into Formula One, but he now loves the tough cycling, swimming and running routines he and his trainers have developed.

He said: "To be honest, my regime is more of a training programme for a triathlon. The first day I arrive in Hawaii, I'm doing a marathon with some friends who want to go under four hours.

"That is pretty brutal, especially as I've never done a marathon before.

"I'll do a lot of cycling, swimming and running over the winter and then I do some specific work on core stability, especially on my neck and more muscle work.

"My aim is to get to the Hawaii World Championship.

"I don't want to get invited, I want to qualify in my age group and that's bloody hard.

"I've got to do nine hours, 12 minutes to qualify and that's bloody hard. The pros are doing eight hours, so to do 9hrs 12mins is hard but you've got to have an aim."

The attention to detail at McLaren is truly astonishing. An army of people in the team's Human Performance Centre are on hand to monitor not only the drivers' fitness but the fitness of every member of the pit crew.

New team sponsors Lucozade are even developing special drinks for both McLaren drivers to use during races to help combat the crippling effects of dehydration.

Button added: "The hydration is so important, "It's all about making sure you get the right fluids, minerals and salts in your system for the race — that's what keeps you alive."

Both McLaren drivers know they have a mountain to climb next season as they bid to challenge the might of the all-conquering Red Bulls and Sebastian Vettel.

But if the battle comes down to fitness alone, they will not be found wanting

Source: The Sun

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

2011-12-21T13:42:00.005-02:00

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

Räikkönen will not struggle with F1 comeback

2011-12-21T09:47:00.003-02:00

McLaren doctor and fellow Finn Aki Hintsa does not think Kimi Räikkönen will struggle on his return to Formula 1 next season, in the manner that Michael Schumacher has battled to get up to his former speed and prowess.

2007 world champion Räikkönen’s decision to come back to the sport with Lotus after a couple of seasons away has been compared with Schumacher’s recent struggle to readjust after a three-year sabbatical.

But Hintsa, who knows Räikkönen well after the now 32-year-old’s five-year tenure at McLaren until 2006, plays down that comparison.

“Physically, Kimi is definitely as strong now as he ever was,” he is quoted by Turun Sanomat newspaper. “It is clear that a return to F1 for Kimi will be easier than it was for Michael Schumacher two years ago.

“First of all, Kimi is so much younger than Michael, and secondly, he was not away for as long and while he was away, he kept driving in a very demanding category,” said Hintsa, referring to Räikkönen’s world rallying exploits.

Indeed, while Räikkönen only turned 32 some weeks ago, Schumacher is clearly F1′s oldest active driver as he approaches his 43rd birthday in January.

“At that stage of life a ten year age difference is a major factor in top-level sport,” said Hintsa.

“When an athlete turns 40, the response time begins to slow down naturally and there’s nothing you can do about it. It is not possible to turn back the clock.”

Source: YallaF1

Fernando Alonso and Raquel del Rosario are separated

2011-12-20T21:15:00.004-02:00

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and his wife pop star Raquel del Rosario have decided to end their relationship, issuing a report on Tuesday. The pair had been married for five years. Double time world champion Fernando Alonso met the pop star Raquel del Rosario of band El Sueño de Morfeo through the first days of his Formula 1 career, marrying in November 2006.

Statement:

‘After five years of marriage, we have decided to end our relationship as a couple. This has been a very though about and mutual decision. We are separating from marriage, but never as friends, and there is still a very strong affection and mutual admiration to ensure the happiness of the other.

With this statement, addressed to all who follow our careers, we wish to bring an end to any speculation. With it, we ask that the media respects our personal lives which, as you know, we have always been keen to protect.

With love

Raquel and Fernando’

Source: Formula1online.com

TV-boss promises a special tracking of Räikkönen

2011-12-20T20:56:00.003-02:00

Year after year Finland has had successful F1-drivers who have attracted people in front of the tv

After Kimi Räikkönen left F1 and moved over to WRC the interest in F1 went down substantially. Räikkönen's return to F1 is like a victory in lotto for MTV3, who owns the sport's tv-rights.

- After Finland's top years in F1 we faced poor years and the interest to F1 has gone down among the big audience. Now the expectation parameters and hopes for success are high again. It would be a tough thing in any sport if a sportsman this famous would make a comeback, Tatu Lehmuskallio, sport manager from MTV3, says.

- It's obvious that we expect the orders to grow above the curve that we are used to. Of course Kimi's comeback will have a positive influence, Lehmuskallio states.

- We have different kinds of arrangements with teams, unions and singular sportsmen. F1 is no exception in that matter. Let's see if we can come up with some special arrangement, and if it seems reasonable then we will go for it. In Kimi's case the main focus will still be on the racing itself.

Kimi's departure hurt

The TV-boss confesses that Räikkönen's departure from F1 hurt badly.

- It was a bit like if you would own the tv-rights to some European soccer game but then your own country wouldn't make it to the final tournament. It was hard because we always pay for the tv-rights according to the the expectation parameters.

- When Kimi left F1 we took a risk to see if the financial equation would work even if Kimi wouldn't drive. And it worked since the pay-tv -business has worked well despite of the lack of Finnish success.

URHEILUTIETO

Source: Iltalehti
Courtesy: Nicole

Alonso welcomes back ‘great’ Räikkönen

2011-12-20T13:08:00.002-02:00

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

Grosjean: Kimi and I share same philosophy

2011-12-20T11:18:00.004-02:00

Romain Grosjean admits that he cannot wait to get started on developing Lotus Renault's 2012 challenger - and working with new team-mate Kimi Räikkönen

New Lotus Renault signing Romain Grosjean admits that he cannot wait to get started on the 2012 F1 season after completing his return to a full-time role with the Enstone outfit.

The Frenchman, speaking a little over a week after being confirmed as the team's second signing, revealed that he had alrready upped hi training regimen, but was itching to get out on track and begin developing LRGP's 2012 challenger.

The car itself has not even been given a definitive launch date, but it is indicative of Grosjean's rejuvenated ambition that he is eager to do all he can to ensure that the 2012 season is more of a success than last year, which tailed off badly after a promising start.

"My training has remained very similar, but I must now focus more on strengthening the neck as this is essential for an F1 driver and a difficult area to train," he told the official LRGP website, "The main problem with training in winter is trying not to get too cold outside!"

"[Despite that], I will be training hard until Christmas and then taking a few days holiday to relax on the beach and get some sun before January.

"[However], I'm mostly looking forward to being back at Enstone to meet with the team and prepare for testing in February. I will be looking to give the best I can to help the team develop the car as much as possible before Melbourne.

"Testing is essential in preparing for the season ahead, and I am really looking forward to working with the guys and giving feedback on the car so that we can be ready for Australia. Also, each driver will only get six days of running before the start of the season, so every kilometre in testing will have to be useful. I can't wait to get started!"

Having decided to dispense with the services of both Vitaly Petrov and Bruno Senna for 2012, Lotus Renault will start the new campaign with a fresh driver line-up, but Grosjean at least enjoys the advantage of having worked with the engineers during his brief stint behind the wheel in Friday morning practice at the season-ending Abu Dhabi and Brazilian GPs.

With new team-mate Kimi Räikkönen coming straight to Enstone from two years in the World Rally Championship, the Frenchman knows that his existing relationship with the team could be important.

"I came to Enstone last week and it was great to visit the factory as an F1 race driver," he conceded, "The good thing for me is that I have already worked with the team at the end of last season, [but] I met with the guys last week, and also had a chance to go into the wind tunnel and see next year's car.

"It is always something special for a driver to see the car being developed and to meet the people working so hard to give us a good car for next year."

Grosjean revealed that he has also had the chance to get to know his ne team-mate, and says he is looking forward to working with the 2007 world champion.

"I met him last week and he is a nice guy," he said of Raikkonen, " I think we have more or less the same philosophy, we both want to give our best for the team to get good results next year. I am looking forward to working with him."

The rumour mill continues to suggest that Senna could return to the team in a reserve driver capacity, with increased involvement in Friday morning practice sessions at grands prix, but Jerome d'Ambrosio is also being suggested as a potential third driver, thanks to his Gravity Sports Management links with LRGP team boss Eric Boullier.

Source: Crash.net

Alonso ends the year with the Magi

2011-12-19T17:13:00.001-02:00

Madrid, 19 December – Fernando Alonso’s last work commitment of 2011 took place this afternoon in the Santander Bank’s head office at Boadilla del Monte, near Madrid. Yesterday in Maranello, he was Father Christmas for the families of Ferrari employees and today the Spanish driver was dressed in the robes of one of the Magi kings as part of the end of year festivities with representatives of one the Scuderia’s major sponsors. Alongside Fernando were his two colleagues, Marc Gene and Pedro De La Rosa, much to the delight of the many children present, who all received a Scalextric kit as a gift.

Earlier, Fernando had exchanged seasonal good wishes with a group of Spanish journalists, as well as throwing in some pragmatic views on the Formula 1 season just ended and the one that will be getting underway shortly. “This is the time when one is always optimistic, but then we must wait for the start of the season to see where we really are. It’s true that in the past few days, there was a good feeling at Maranello and there’s an air of confidence about it,” said Fernando. “We want to reacquaint ourselves with the taste of winning that has eluded us for a while. Last spring, we made important changes to the structure of the technical part of the team and now we have adopted a new approach, a less conservative one, in the design of the new car. The philosophy behind the 2012 car is very different to that of 2011, especially in some key areas like suspension and aerodynamics. We know that Ferrari is burdened with the expectations of victory and if it does not happen, in the winter the papers devote page after page to the whys and wherefores as to how things can change, while the others have to make do with the crumbs in terms of media coverage. It’s one of the things that make Ferrari different to all the other teams.”

However, now’s the time to take it easy for a few weeks,” concluded the man from Oviedo. “Time to recharge the batteries and be one hundred percent ready for next season, which I expect will be much more of an equal fight than the one just gone. Red Bull will still be very strong, but I think they will have less room for improvement than us, as we were so far behind this year.”

In the morning, Alonso received a special recognition from the Autonomous Community of Madrid, who awarded him the International Prize for Sport. Fernando was presented with the award by the President, Esperanza Aguirre, during a ceremony at the Community headquarters.

Source: Ferrari.com

Alonso jokes as Webber wins FIA prize

2011-12-19T16:27:00.000-02:00

Mark Webber has revealed he had mixed feelings when he beat Fernando Alonso to third place in the 2011 constructors’ standings.

The pair, who are friends, lead similarly guarded private lives, so in the closing stages of the championship they considered the ‘prize’ that went along with pipping the other to the post for third place.

“Only the top three drivers have to go”, said Webber, referring to the official FIA prize-giving gala, which was held recently in India.

“Jenson, Fernando and I had had a bit of a joke on the drivers’ parade before the final race of the season in Brazil last month.

“We were all keen to improve our championship positions, but none of us were that up for any extra travel,” he wrote in his last BBC column for the year.

“In the end, I won in Brazil, relegating Fernando to fourth. He’s an intense competitor but I don’t think he was that unhappy about losing out by one point,” said Webber.

“I got a text message from him the day before I was going to India, reminding me that I had to go. It was along the lines of ‘This is your captain speaking, your flight is ready for boarding’. It made me smile.”

Source: YallaF1

Video: Kimi Räikkönen Crash at Swatch Snow Mobile 2011

2011-12-17T09:13:00.002-02:00

Kimi Räikkönen and his accident during Swatch Snow Mobile in Austria

Courtesy: Verena

Lotus happy for Räikkönen to take risks

2011-12-13T16:20:00.002-02:00

Kimi Räikkönen's Lotus team have ruled out reining in the 2007 Formula One world champion after the Finn crashed and hurt his wrist while competing in a snowmobile race at the weekend

Memories of Robert Kubica's near-fatal rally accident last February are still raw at the former Renault outfit, with the Pole yet to get back in the cockpit after missing the entire 2011 season.

However Lotus Group CEO Dany Bahar, whose Malaysian-owned sportscar company are now the renamed team's title sponsors, made clear on Monday that racing drivers could never be wrapped in cotton wool.

"It is part of our job to do things that are risky, we do it commercially and corporately, Kimi does it in his own life," he told reporters at a lunch.

"I like these characters. It's unfortunate if he hurts himself but it's part of life.

"Kimi is Kimi and it will be difficult to change the way he lives," added Bahar.

"It's not something we are focused on from a group perspective, saying: 'This is Kimi now you have to do everything to protect him from going out of his own house'. It doesn't work."

Lotus said at the weekend that Raikkonen, a champion with Ferrari and now making his F1 comeback after two seasons in rallying, had a sore wrist after the spill in Austria but it was "nothing to worry about."

STATEMENT OF INTENT

Kubica would have been the team leader on the track this year but may never drive for them again. In any case, his role has now transferred to Raikkonen whose services have not come cheap.

The team have signed France's Romain Grosjean as their second driver, dropping Russian Vitaly Petrov in a move that spoke volumes for their ambitions over the next three years.

Petrov was a competent driver, good enough to get on the podium in Australia this year, but the funding he brought with him was also important.

"The decision we took was that we need to bring the team to the next level," said Bahar, who was embroiled for much of the year with rivals Team Lotus over the use of the iconic brand in Formula One.

That dispute has now been resolved, with Malaysian-owned Team Lotus renamed Caterham.

"Now we have one issue solved, we have a clear identity and a clear brand.

"Now it's the next step, to restructure the team, to bring in new talent, technical talent, an experienced driver, maybe not to go after 'pay drivers' any more, not to look to the highest bidder any more," said Bahar. "It's really to get more and more competitive."

Petrov's departure will have financial consequences but Bahar hailed it as a bold move, just as Räikkönen's arrival was a gamble.

"It's a brave decision to say: 'We're not after the money, we try to go the hard way...we try to succeed through performance, with the best people coming in, best driver coming in, and make the team better'," he said.

"We have to fight even harder to get the money, even harder to race and to get sponsorships, but we believe we have a nice offer especially now with the two brands combined."

Bahar said Räikkönen, 32, had matured a lot and knew what he was letting himself in for.

"It's a different time and he has to deliver, and I think he realises that," he said. "If we get the car right then the sky is the limit for us."

Source: Reuters Sports

Räikkönen's spokesman: No need to worry over Kimi's hand

2011-12-12T21:56:00.002-02:00

Riku Kuvaja assures MTV3 that Kimi's accident wasn't severe.

Räikkönen hurt his left hand in Swatch Snow Mobile -race in Austria on Saturday. Lotus F1 Team announced on Saturday-evening that Kimi had hurt his hand. According to the Italian Omnicorse.it-website he would also have a deep cut in the hand. Riku Kuvaja calms down the situation to MTV3.

– There's no reason to get worried over this, nothing that spectacular happened. On Saturday he mainly had to go and check to see that everything is in order, Kuvaja says.

Kimi was apparently meant to go on Monday to check his wrist but Kuvaja can't say if he even needed anymore visits to the doctor on Monday. Yet the man assures that there's no reason to worry over Kimi's wrist, the thing has been blown out of proportion.

Source: MTV3
Courtesy: Nicole

Räikkönen hurt his wrist in a snowmobile race

2011-12-10T22:46:00.003-02:00

F1-remigrant Kimi Räikkönen scared his fans in a show with his longtime partner Red Bull in Saalbach Austria.

The Finn who participated in the snowmobile race went too fast in a corner, the snowmobile fell down and the driver fell on the ground on his left hand.

The hard hit hurt but no bones were broken. The driver said he is okay although his hand naturally hurts. Racing with snowmobiles ended here.

News about Räikkönen's accident spread quickly all over. What made the fuss even bigger was that we still remember how Renault's driver #1 Robert Kubica injured severely in a rally accident last February.

Lotus-team's publicist sent calming information through twitter.

– We just talked with Kimi. He is okay. Only his wrist is sore and he will go and check it again on Monday, the team informed.

Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole

Räikkönen and Grosjean both have the same break from F1-races

2011-12-09T23:14:00.002-02:00

GP2-champion Romain Grosjean drives as remigrant Kimi Räikkönen's team mate in Lotus next year.

25-year old Grosjean is born Swiss but he also has a French passport. He races with France Union's license.

The French will become Räikkönen's 9th team mate. Both drove in F1 in 2009 the last time and Abu Dhabi was for both of them the last race, where Räikkönen was 12th with Ferrari and Grosjean 18th with Renault.

During the years I have often asked for Räikkönen's opinion about his team mate. The answer is always the same:

– It doesn't matter to me who is driving the second car in the team. Ever since a little boy in karting I have concentrated on my own stuff. In the final game this is an individual sport, Räikkönen says.

Räikkönen is starting to get familiar with his new team at Enstone-factory. Grosjean already is at home in the team after being a top name on owner Gerard Lopez Gravity-program.

Grosjean conquered superiorly the GP2-championship with DAMS-team last season. The youngster got to get a feeling of the R31-car after driving two Friday practice sessions in Abu Dhabi and Brazil.

Total continued their contract

Oil giant Total sponsors Grosjean. Total announced that they will continue the contract with Lotus-Renault season 2012 at the same time they announced their driver.

– Total is happy when they can offer a young, talented French driver an opportunity to fulfill his dream and drive F1-races with Lotus-Renault. Our main goal is to support new talents and encourage them forward in their career. We have had close relationships with Grosjean for six years, Jacques-Emmanuel Saulnier from the management said.

Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole

Kimi Räikkönen partied in Spain - what happened backstage?!

2011-12-05T13:57:00.005-02:00

Some tender moments in the backroom (backstage)

Kimi was with his two security guards in Discoteca Mai Tai -night club, where women circled around the man as much as possible.

Remu Aaltonen performed in the night club and the entourage went to see him after the gig.

- Kimi came to say hello to me and he hugged me backstage. Vesku Loiri's son was also there, Remu told Seiska.

Source: Seiska.fi
Courtesy: Nicole

Häkkinen says Räikkönen will find it tough

2011-12-05T11:08:00.000-02:00

Formerly his strongest supporter, Mika Häkkinen is now questioning how quickly his compatriot Kimi Räikkönen can get back up to speed in formula one.

When he retired a decade ago, Häkkinen recommended rookie Räikkönen to then McLaren team boss Ron Dennis by saying: “If you want to win, get the Finn.”

Now, a 32-year-old Räikkönen is reportedly busy losing the four kilograms he put on during his forays in world rallying and NASCAR.

Häkkinen tells Bild am Sonntag: “The return will be very difficult for Kimi. He will have almost no time to test the new car — five or six days, that’s it.

“If you lose a day with a problem you don’t get it back, while in the past we used to sit in the cockpit from morning to night, because you get faster and faster the more time you have to get into the rhythm,” he said.

That is why, to help Räikkönen readjust after his two-year sabbatical, Lotus already has plans to circumvent the current testing restrictions by preparing the 32-year-old a 2009-spec Renault equipped with GP2 tyres.

According to Häkkinen, Räikkönen will still find it difficult.

“It doesn’t matter whether you are a world champion or not. In formula one the competition has never been tougher.

“The fitness of the drivers, their technical understanding, it just gets better and better. These drivers, they work brutally hard!

“It will all make Kimi’s return much more difficult even than five years ago.”

Giancarlo Fisichella, whose last few grands prix were alongside Räikkönen at Ferrari in 2009, agrees: “Formula one is unforgiving, especially if you’ve been away for a couple of years.”

More optimistic for Räikkönen is 2009 world champion Jenson Button.

“This is a very good thing for the sport; he’s such a competitive driver,” the McLaren driver is quoted by France’s autohebdo.fr.

“The guys at McLaren have told me that he is very good at setting up a car.”

Räikkönen travelled to Lotus’ Enstone base on Saturday and met with team owner Gerard Lopez, who sensed the former McLaren and Ferrari driver is highly motivated.

And “the more people that question it (his motivation) the better, because it’s only going to motivate him further,” said Lopez.

Source: YallaF1

Alonso unsure how good Vettel is in bad car

2011-12-05T10:04:00.000-02:00

The jury is out as to whether Formul 1′s reigning back to back world champion is as good as Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.

That is the suggestion of Ferrari driver Alonso, who said the final test for dominant Red Bull driver Vettel, 24, is to prove he can regularly haul a less-than-perfect car to the top of the podium.

The Spaniard was asked by the Diario Sport newspaper if he agrees with Pedro de la Rosa’s recent assessment that only Alonso, Hamilton and Vettel are able to win races in something other than the best car in the field.

“We have seen two do it, for the third it is yet to be seen,” said Alonso.

“We will see when he has a car good enough to be sixth and he gets it to be second, third or fourth. Until now we have only seen him in a car that can win the championship with five grands prix to go.

“So we have to wait,” added the Ferrari driver.

As for Ferrari, Alonso said the Italian team has been learning over the past year how to develop a car as rapidly as his 2007 employer, McLaren.

“McLaren is a good example,” he admitted, “of a team that can start a year with any problem and resolve it in a couple of races.

“Pat Fry has brought new ideas, new methods and I have not the slightest doubt that Ferrari is much better today than it was a year ago,” added Alonso.

Source: YallaF1

Petrov changed his mind after Kimi became his team mate

2011-12-03T13:53:00.002-02:00

Vitali Petrov wants to stay in Lotus because he got funny Kimi as his team mate.

Apparently Petrov planned earlier that he would leave Lotus but Kimi Räikkönen's contract seems to have changed his mind.

- I have nothing to lose. I learned so much during season 2011. I will never learn as much during one year, since this year we had so many problems, Petrov tells.

Petrov gets well along with Kimi Räikkönen.

- I have to adjust my driving style to the new car and develop new things in it. In my head I see a big step and I feel that I have improved my level. Together with Kimi we will develop the car. He is a WDC and a funny guy, Petrov said.

Petrov critisized Lotus Renault-team earlier in public but now he tells that he loves the team and it's personnel. Working with Kimi Räikkönen will bring a lot of extra motivation to everyone, including Petrov himself.

- Hopefully the team makes the right decision, Petrov said about his own situation.

Source: Autotoday.fi
Courtesy: Nicole

Hamilton: Have fun but don’t drink and drive

2011-12-03T09:44:00.006-02:00

Lewis Hamilton went underground yesterday to launch Diageo’s Responsible Drinking Campaign and their sponsorship of free travel around the UK capital on New Year’s Eve

Thanks to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes partner Diageo, Londoners will be able to party and get home safely, with free travel from 23:45 on New Year’s Eve until 04:30 on New Year’s Day on the capital’s transport services including tube trains, buses and trams, and on London overground trains until their last service of the night. At selected central London Underground stations Diageo will be giving out top tips and free bottles of water on some of the busiest party nights of the year.

Speaking at the launch Lewis said: “Whilst we all want to have a good time this party season, a good time will be a better one if you can remember it and get home safely. Diageo sponsoring free travel is going to make it a little easier for us all to get home this New Year’s Eve and this campaign will remind us to drink responsibly for a great night out.

“Through my work with Diageo on Johnnie Walker for the Join the Pact campaign I have been part of many responsible drinking initiatives and I hope today serves as a timely reminder to people in London to have fun but be responsible.”

London Mayor Boris Johnson described the deal as “fantastic” for partygoers. “London has a tremendous amount to offer over the festive period and this will allow people to welcome in the New Year in the world’s most fantastic city, and still get home cheaply and safely, late into the night.”

Source: YallaF1

Race Of Champions | Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher Q&A

2011-12-02T19:50:00.002-02:00

With a grand total of nine Formula One world championships between them, driving legends Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher – aka Team Germany – talk about their plans and chances in the Race of Champions 2011…

How does it feel racing in an enclosed stadium in front of your home crowd?
Sebastian Vettel: "It’s magic, a little bit like playing in a football stadium. It’s very special."

Michael Schumacher: "Indoor racing is just sensational. It is just big fun. For us it’s so unusual. I really think every driver fully enjoys it. The whole atmosphere is just great."

'To me it always looks a bit like a toy racecourse which has become reality.'

Are you looking forward to taking part?
Michael Schumacher: "Well, to me it always looks a bit like a toy racecourse which has become reality. The event is very entertaining so it’s a cool place to go out at the weekend. If you like cars, if you like music, if you like action, there is nowhere else to be this weekend."

Sebastian Vettel: I can’t wait for the event. It’s completely different to what we experience on the F1 circuit, in rallying or other motorsport. That’s why drivers from so many different categories and countries compete against each other and have a lot of fun together. It’s an unforgettable experience!"

Michael, did the fact that you took part in Race Of Champions from 2007-2009 play any part in your decision to come back to F1?
Michael Schumacher: "It is not so much the competition which brings me back, it’s the fun, the time you spend with the other drivers. During the season, everybody just has to be so focused and it’s just nice to have time to have a drink together in the evening. Of course, we are all professional drivers so the moment we close the visor we want to win but that`s really only one part of it."

Sebastian, last year you were still in a daze after your world championship. Has it a been bit calmer this year?
Sebastian Vettel: "It’s a bit different because I already won the championship in Japan and not at the last race. Still this doesn’t mean that we stopped fighting or competing. We kept fighting for wins. This is all we want, to get the maximum out of every single race."

Michael, how much do you think you've changed as a driver during your two seasons back in F1?
Michael Schumacher: "I have certainly developed in the way that I know the team better. And, yes, at the very beginning I was probably still a bit rusty. Things are smoother now. I am confident that Mercedes and me will get there."

Sebastian, how much have you changed as a driver now you are a double world champion?
Sebastian Vettel: "I learned from the first title. I am a bit calmer and maybe more self-confident. If you win a title, you prove you can do it. But people shouldn’t misunderstand this and think I can handle every situation easily now. I still have to learn a lot."

Michael, if you had to choose just one, would you prefer to win the ROC Nations Cup again or finally to triumph in the individual Race Of Champions?
Michael Schumacher: "Celebrating with Sebastian has become a very fun thing to do, so I am totally fine with us winning the ROC Nations Cup again. The problem then usually is the party afterwards which kind of compromises the next day.

You can watch the Nations Cup and Race of Champions 2011 live at RaceofChampions.com and on Freecaster.tv

Source: Red Bull

Photos: Kimi Räikkönen arrives at Enstone

2011-12-02T18:16:00.007-02:00

Kimi Räikkönen visit Lotus Renault factory this afternoon

Source: LotusRenaultGP

Kimi Räikkönen arrives at Enstone

2011-12-02T16:59:00.003-02:00

Lotus Renault GP’s new Finnish star driver Kimi Räikkönen set foot in Enstone for the first time to meet his new team mates.

A throng of LRGP-ites made Kimi feel welcome as he arrived at the factory ahead of the team’s Christmas party tonight.

After being welcomed by Eric Boullier, Kimi was given a factory tour and met with Chairman Gérard Lopez…

“It is my first time in Enstone,” Kimi said, “so it is very nice to see the factory - it feels good. It is a very warm feeling and I’m very relaxed. I haven’t really read the newspapers about all the excitement but it is quite normal, isn’t it? It doesn’t put any more pressure on me. I always try to do my best, so I don’t put myself under pressure. It will be exciting, yes, but no pressure really and we will see how it goes.”

On having Kimi at Enstone, Gérard feels it is like the right thing to happen. “I think we decided that we had to look forward in terms of performance and the key way to see how good a car is, is to have a good driver. Kimi has proven in the past that he is among the fastest and in terms of age he’s still in his prime. In terms of motivation from what I have seen and spoken to him, he is probably as motivated as ever. And the more people question the better it is because it is going to increase his motivation even more to prove that they are wrong. I’m excited that he is here because I think it’s one of the very important steps in getting the team to where we want it to be – which is one of the top teams in Formula 1…”

Source: LotusRenaultGP

Lewis Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger are back together

2011-12-02T08:38:00.002-02:00

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

Räikkönen gets only six testing days before the season starts

2011-12-02T08:27:00.002-02:00

Kimi Räikkönen has to adapt to Lotus-Renault F1-car and Pirelly-tyres really fast because he only gets to drive six days in winter tests.

F1-teams have decided to limit the winter testing to three four-day periods 7-10.2.2012 and then 18-21.2.2012 in Jerez plus 1-4.3.2012 in Barcelona.

All and all there are 12 driving days which are divided evenly between the teams' both drivers.

The F1-season starts 18th March in Australia, Melbourne.

According to information Turun Sanomat has Räikkönen gets to drive Renault's F1-car privately in January on the testing track before starting with the new cars.

Regulations are that these kinds of tests can only be driven by an old car from season 2009 using GP2-tyres. It's called a 'demo-car'.

Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole

Kimi's Camp Firmly Denies the Equity Rumours

2011-12-01T14:13:00.002-02:00

Respected German magazine Auto, Motor und Sport reported about rumours that Kimi Raikkonen had supposedly bought a stake in the Lotus F1 team with a couple of his millionaire friends.

Raikkonen's assistant Riku Kuvaja told on tuesday that Kimi is just an employee of the team when the two year long contract was announced.

Has there been a change in the situation?

- "No there has not. I do not know where they come up with these rumours. This is such a time that you hear rumours all the time", Kuvaja says.

If the rumours about Raikkonen's Williams negotiations were true, the man is interested in having a stake in a F1 team. Kuvaja however says that there is no current interest for something like that.

- "It's hard to say anything about the future. Let's do this now first and see what happens next", Kuvaja says.

Source: Iltalehti
Courtesy: Nicole

Kimi, 10 million good reasons

2011-12-01T08:58:00.003-02:00

Posted by Leo Turrini Thu, 01/12/2011 - 01:09

Wow.

I just came back from a nice dinner with Cola.

The Cola confirmed to me his enthusiasm for the return of the Holy Drinker.

Meanwhile Cola had collected some extra information about the tasty Come Back of the Blond.

I am going to order now.

Kimi has 10 million reasons to drink vodka.

Lotus-Renault is paying him ten million.

I understand that the agreement includes in Marchionne-style a robust performance bonus.

Translated.

1 million more if the Blond wins at least one Grand Prix.

An extra extra extra bonus if the win comes at some place that is seen as 'special' (read: Monte Carlo or Spa or Monza).

Renault-Lotus has guaranteed to Raikkonen that the car is good from the beginning, since the first Grand Prix of Australia, that it will be in top ten in qualifying.

The drafting of the contract was made up so that by the end of 2012, by paying a small penalty, the Holy Drinker is free to find a home elsewhere (Mercedes, if the Old Uncle decides to devote himself to Corinna).

I just sat there.

Courtesy: Nicole

Lindström hopes that Räikkönen would still drive rally sometime

2011-12-01T08:51:00.002-02:00

Kimi Räikkönen and Kaj Lindström drove all and all 22 WRC-rallies and six other rallies. Their best position in WRC was 5th in Turkey 2010. In France's national serie Vosgien in 2010, the duo achieved their only victory by making the fastest time on every stage.

.– Kimi would be an undisputable talent as a rally driver too. He already started to get some routine but only by driving WRC-rallies 2-3 years more, would we have wiped that last second off from the lead's time, Lindström calculated.

Then were you surprised when the driver went back to the F1-tracks?

– It didn't come as a surprise that they wanted Kimi back just as it didn't come as a surprise that he still had the passion to go back, Lindström says.

Then will we still see Räikkönen driving rally someday?

– I hope that Kimi would someday drive rally as a hobby. However driving on the track is more Kimi's own environment, his real thing, but I have to say that we did well in rally too even with a this short experience.

– Kimi has a very positive feeling towards rally, but driving man to man is more natural to him and as a bonus he gets the fun that overtaking offers. Work comes first and F1 is his work, whereas rally is more like a hobby to him.

Difficult to find the right pace

Räikkönen wasn't lacking speed in rally but his difficulty was to find a good rhythm right from the beginning of the race.

– When driving on a track you see what your pace is all the time because you can compare it to others' pace. In rally you just have to rely on your pace and on yourself to drive fast enough. You can't make any straight comparison. If you go too fast you are in danger of driving off and if you are too careful, then the clock doesn't like it at all. Finding the real pace and rhythm comes only with the routine after driving enough. Kimi already got a pretty good hunch about this plot.

How does Räikkönen expect that he will manage with Lotus next year?

– Because you can't know about the car beforehand I can only hope that Kimi finds a good feeling from the car. If he can't drive for leading positions with the car then he just have to be satisfied with the level he can achieve with it.

Berger is courted into becoming a Lotus-consult

In paddock rumours they are anticipating that the main sponsor Lotus Cars would cash in this season's Renault-team from Genii Capital. They are rumouring that Eric Boullier is going to leave.

Italian Gazzetta dello Sport -magazine wrote that they are courting Gerhard Berger as a consult to Lotus. The experienced Dave Ryan was already with the team in Brazil.

The team's current owner Gerard Lopez assured when announcing Räikkönen's contract that getting Kimi was only the first step of many progress steps they will take in order to create a new chain of success.

Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole

Pärmäkoski: Vettel was happy over Kimi's comeback

2011-11-30T22:01:00.005-02:00

- He is a tough guy, hats off to him. Kimi is a man who walks his own paths and has the courage to make brave decisions. His return will lift up both the team's and the serie's PR-value without any doubt because a WDC is always a person who is followed.

Räikkönen is a familiar man to Pärmäkoski because in Switzerland they used to live nearby. At that time the duo also met on the badminton field. Despite the good relationship Pärmäkoski has naturally his own view about next season.

- In badminton the victories can go quite evenly. When thinking about next season I hope that Kimi and the team will get the car in such condition that it's realistic to reach for podiums. Yet I have to admit that although I'm a Finn my heart is pounding towards a certain German driver when it comes to victories, Pärmäkoski said.

He also tells that Vettel is happy over Räikkönen's return.

- We haven't talked much about it but I know that Sebastian is happy over Kimi's return. They were already familiar to each other and I believe that two champions will give each other additional heartbeat.

TOMI OLLI

Source: Iltalehti
Courtesy: Nicole

Vettel says Räikkönen return will be tough

2011-11-30T08:27:00.002-02:00

Sebastian Vettel has admitted it is “difficult to judge” whether his friend Kimi Räikkönen will be at full speed when he returns to formula one next season.

The pair often meet near their Swiss homes to play badminton, but reigning world champion Vettel does not want to predict a smooth comeback for the 2007 world champion after two years in world rally.

“We have all seen Michael’s comeback,” the 24-year-old is quoted by France’s 20minutes.fr on a visit to Red Bull’s engine supplier Renault.

“He (Schumacher) left when he was at the top, but when he came back he said a lot had changed and that he needed time to adapt.

“If I think about the car I drove two years ago, so many things have changed,” said Vettel. “It’s amazing. Even during a season, new buttons appear on the steering wheel.

“I can imagine it would be very difficult to return straight away to the same level as before,” added the German.

Renault/Lotus boss Eric Boullier revealed on Tuesday that Räikkönen will soon be able to use the team’s new driver simulator, and get some laps under his belt in a two-year-old “demo car” before real testing begins in February.

But the former McLaren and Ferrari driver insisted on Tuesday that while his neck may be out of shape, his motivation is back at full power.

Britain’s Guardian wrote: “If he got fed up with driving a Ferrari … what will happen at Renault, a midfield outfit who are unlikely to be challenging the top teams next year?”

Mercedes’ Norbert Haug is quoted in German reports: “I look forward to seeing Kimi back if he is motivated, and that seems to be the case.”

Source: YallaF1

Räikkönen's Lotus-time starts from Friday's Christmas-party

2011-11-30T08:07:00.004-02:00

Two years and 29 days ago Kimi Räikkönen drove his last F1-race in Abu Dhabi at Ferrari. Two years and three months ago Räikkönen snatched his last GP-victory in Belgium.

On Tuesday it became sure that Räikkönen will come back to F1 when Lotus-Renault published their 2-year contract with the 32-year old Finnish WDC.

Turun Sanomat got an exclusive intervew with Räikkönen right after the contract was announced.

How does it feel to go back to F1 after rally?

– It feels cool. I don't have to roll in the mud anymore, a very relaxed and sunny Räikkönen grinned.

– It felt cool to drive rally too but you can't get over the fact that I also missed racing. The longer I was away from F1, the more I wanted back there.

Why Lotus-Renault?

– We talked for a long time with Williams and when nothing happened there we turned to Renault and after that everything proceeded quickly in three weeks. Now I have a contract and I'm pleased that I can race with F1-cars again.

When did your will to go back to F1 arise?

– When I drove those Nascar-races in May I noticed how cool it was to race on track again. That's when the spark came and the more I thought about it, the more I wanted back.

Racing fascinates more

Did you get bored with rally driving?

– Absolutely not. I would still like to drive rallies. But yet it's a different thing when you race against other drivers on the track. It is afterall what I have been doing for almost my whole life.

What remained as your best rally?

– I guess it's this year's Jyskälä. We didn't get into the speed the first day but after that it started to go well. We had a good pace until we hit the fence.

– That's the thing that bugs me most in rally, how much disadvantage for a long time you can get from the smallest situation. If you hit a little but the service park is far away that blunder willl reflect on your times in so many stages.

How long would it had taken for you to drive for trophies in WRC?

– It would have taken a lot of time. Every now and then I could take the same times as the lead did. Better results would have required that I would get to test just as much as the drivers from the factory team got to test.

Räikkönen didn't finish the last rallies.

– The decision was based upon the prognosis that it was going to rain and I didn't want to go sliding there. Then the weather was good afterall so of course I should have continued.

– On the other hand it wouldn't have made any use since I had already retired. It's a bit stupid when you can continue in rally although you have retired. You can't continue the race in F1 anymore if something happens, Räikkönen said.

Most to learn about is tyres

How difficult is it to come from rally back to a F1-car?

– I don't think it's that tricky. Afterall I have drove F1-cars for a long time and haven't had more than a two years break. The last time I was there we had KERS and we had a lot of buttons in the steering wheel back then already. I guess I'll also control the buttons soon.

– The biggest difference will be the tyres. It takes more time to learn how they work the best way. But it was more difficult when I went from McLaren and Michelin-tyres to Ferrari and Bridgestone-tyres. Now I haven't raced for two years with F1-tyres so I haven't got the most fresh feeling of them. This way I surely adapt easier to the new tyres.

What kind of information do you have about Pirelli's tyres?

– I have chatted with my old team mate Pedro de la Rosa and from what he has told me it feels pretty good. I hear that the tyres have a damn good grip right from the beginning and in my case it's important that the front is working.

How much information do you have about Lotus-Renault's team?

– Not much. I talked for the first time with Eric Boullier on Monday in the phone. On Friday I will visit Enstone factory and from there I continue to the team's christmas party.

Getting used by using GP2-tyres

When will you start testing?

– I can drive with this year's car as long as it has GP2-tyres. I guess I start getting used to it by that. I don't know exactly about next year's schedules. The new car comes when it comes and then we test with it, Räikkönen told.

Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole

Kimi Räikkönen - “I never really lost the passion for racing in Formula 1”

2011-11-29T13:48:00.002-02:00

Kimi, good news today, you have decided to come back to Formula 1. Why are you coming back?
The main reason was that I never really lost the passion for racing in Formula 1, just maybe for all the other things around it. But when I did some NASCAR races this year I noticed that I was increasingly missing the racing side – to race against each other – because in rallying you really race against the clock. And then I got the call from certain people in Formula 1. All sorts of things happened and we managed to have a nice conversation with Lotus Renault GP and make a deal – I’m really very happy with that!

Why did you choose Lotus Renault GP?
Really there were two options – it was this team or Williams. And everything worked out with Lotus Renault GP as we wanted, so that’s really the reason. Have you been following the team and the performance this year? I didn’t follow Formula 1 much at all last year. This year I followed it a bit more but not really any specific team. I watched the last 20 laps of the last race, the Brazilian Grand Prix, and because I knew this was going to happen I also watched how the Lotus Renault GP team did. But before that I didn’t know anything about what was going to happen or that there would be a deal in Formula 1 for next year, so I just watched Formula 1 as a whole. I saw a few races but nothing special.

Do you think Formula 1 will be very different for you from what you know from 2009, with the DRS, Pirelli tyres, etc?
Comparing 2009 to next year the biggest difference will probably be the tyres. I don’t think there is a lot of difference with the cars. DRS is a new thing but this is basically similar to before. The button that used to be for the front wing has disappeared, so now it’s for the rear wing. I would guess the main difference is really the tyres.

Personally, what’s the main difference from the Kimi Räikkönen we saw in 2009 – in which way are you a better driver?
I don’t know – I’ve been away for two years. I haven’t driven and I haven’t even sat in a Formula 1 car since the last race in 2009. I’m interested to get back into the car, I’m two years older now and I don’t think anything else has really changed. It has been really nice to try to learn rallying in the last few years. On some days it was hard. It’s been easier this year than last year but still it’s a very difficult sport. I’m really looking forward to coming back. At least Formula 1 is something where I know how everything works as I’ve been there for many years – compared to rallying when I didn’t know what would really happen. Then I went to NASCAR and I had no clue how it would be. So in that way it should be much, much easier to come back and it should be pretty normal.

Have you already changed your training routine?
I kept training the whole time for the rallying but of course it’s not so physical – in the rallies it’s more that you have to sit in the car for the whole week. In Formula 1, it is more physical but over a shorter time. A month ago I started to get back into proper training for Formula 1. The neck is the most difficult thing to get ready but we still have plenty of time.

When you think about your last race in 2009, what is the feeling you have of driving in Formula 1?
I certainly remember all the braking and how quickly everything happens. But compared to rallying, say, you have slightly more time. In rallying, it doesn’t give you a second chance. When you make a mistake you go off. There are no run-off areas. In Formula 1 you have a lot of run-off areas, you can run a bit wide and it is not such a big deal. You lose a lap in the practice or in qualifying but in the race you maybe don’t even lose a place. So this time, the braking and the G-forces will certainly come back very quickly. The biggest thing will definitely be to get the neck used to it again. All the rest will take a while but it’s not really a big thing.

Six world champions on the grid next year, you are coming back to Formula 1 – how big of a boost is it for your motivation?
I would not have come back if I wasn’t motivated. There is always a lot of talk about motivation but nobody really knows what I do or what I think apart from myself so I don’t really care about what people say. But I’m happy to be coming back. I wouldn’t put my name onto a contract if I didn’t think I’d really enjoy it – so it will be interesting and exciting to get back!

Source: LotusRenaultGP

Riku Kuvaja: Kimi isn't dreaming of a victory immediately

2011-11-29T11:45:00.001-02:00

Kimi's assistant Riku Kuvaja told IS that Kimi will hide for a while before showing up before Finnish F1-fans and the Finnish media.

- We will keep press conferences both for Europe's and Finland's media in the near future, Kuvaja tells.

He conveyed Räikkönen's greetings where the driver is all fire over his comeback to F1.

- Great that the deal was born. Now Kimi only waits to get to business meaning developing the car and driving the car.

- Renault is a potential team. We are not speaking of victories yet, we speak of pushing into the grid's top.

Source: Ilta-Sanomat
Courtesy: Nicole

Good luck, brother Kimi

2011-11-29T10:10:00.003-02:00

Posted by Leo Turrini Tue, 29/11/2011 - 11:20

Oh, last night a Greek friend greek told me that it is final. Kimi in Renault for two years.

I said to myself: I am waiting for the official announcement.

And this morning the blog had covered it.

The Curse of the Cola!

What can I say?

I'm happy and sad at the same time.

Glad, because F1 gets a great character. An authentic champion. One to whom I owe emotions from the legendary Interlagos 2007.

Melancholy, because Renault-Lotus future is what it is. I do not believe in miracles. I doubt that Raikkonen could aspire to great things, even though he himself speaks of 'top of the grid' as a goal.

Realistically I take as a parameter the return of Schumacher.

In two years, two fourth places.

Can the Holy Drinker do better?

Given the already certain identity of the winner of Spa 2012, why not?

A serie with six champions simultaneously on the track has never been seen!

Only one last message.

Good luck, Kimi.

You deserve it.

Blow the buggers!

Courtesy: Nicole

Video: Kimi Räikkönen back in F1 with LRGP in 2012

2011-11-29T09:28:00.002-02:00

Kimi's Assistant: Kimi Got What He Wanted

2011-11-29T09:20:00.004-02:00

Kimi Räikkönen is really satisfied with his new F1 deal.

Räikkönen's assistant Riku Kuvaja has gotten used to dampening Kimi related stories. Now you can hear the happiness in his voice and you can almost see the smile via phone.

- Kimi is really satisfied with the deal, Kuvaja says happily.

He will not reveal the financial value of the two year long Lotus Renault deal but admits that it matches the value of an ex-World Champion. So Kimi got what he wanted.

Räikkönen's dream of returning to F1 lived almost through all his time spent in WRC. In the end Kimi didn't get to drive rally long enough for it to have been realistic to wait podiums nor championship.

- The desire to return to F1 kept growing all the time and in the end that lead to the negotiations and to this deal, Kuvaja says.

There were negotiations with several teams but according to Kimi's assistant the decision came easy. That was influenced both by Kimi's role in the team and the finacial side. But the most important thing was the return itself.

Source: Iltalehti

Lotus-Renault will bring Räikkönen back to F1-tracks

2011-11-29T09:15:00.004-02:00

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

Räikkönen still knows F1 as his own sport

2011-11-29T09:11:00.003-02:00

Kimi Räikkönen comes back to Formula 1 after spending two years in WRC. Lotus-Renault – to be named Lotus in 2012 – announced Tuesday morning the two-year deal with Räikkönen.

– I felt fine in WRC, too. But all the time I have missing racing. The longer you stay away from it, the more you miss it. It’s good time to come back. Obviously, it’s still F1 and I have been doing it one third of my life time, already, says Räikkönen to Turun Sanomat.

October 17th Räikkönen became 32 years of age. From 2001 to 2009 Räikkönen had 156 Grands Prix with Sauber, McLaren and Ferrari. He is the world championship with Ferrari from the super exciting season 2007 and he is the last driver, who has brought to championship to Maranello.

Räikkönen has won 18 times and been on the podium 62 times. He has 16 pole positions in his merit list and he has started the GP 31 times from the first row.

The comeback of Räikkönen makes history to F1. First time ever in the season 2012 there will be six world champions racing against each other.

Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole

Kimi Räikkönen back in F1 with LRGP in 2012

2011-11-29T08:48:00.001-02:00

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

"Räikkönen drove completely reasonable times"

2011-11-28T23:07:00.002-02:00

They believe that Kimi Räikkönen's rallying career is over for now when he is seriously negotiating about a comeback to F1. Kimi drove in WRC for only two seasons but the difference to the top has been several minutes. His best result is Rally Turkey in 2010 when he came in 5th.

SWRC-serie's world champion from this year, Juho Hänninen with Skoda, was often faster than Räikkönen although Räikkönen drove in a class higher with a WRC-car. Still Hänninen thinks that Räikkönen's performances in rally were good.

- I think that it was a realistic result. Maybe the majority expected more and I bet Kimi himself also expected more, however Kimi realised pretty quickly that it isn't that easy. Still he made good times especially when driving a stage for the second time since he remembered them better. That's when he drove completely reasonable times, Hänninen told Sport Content.

Hänninen reminded that rallying requires a lot of training and that it takes several years to develop into a top driver.

- Nobody can succeed in this without practice, Hänninen said.

Source: elisa.net
Courtesy: Nicole

The countdown continues

2011-11-28T13:42:00.000-02:00

It boils in the Finnish driver market because Kimi Räikkönen's sensational comeback just keeps on going on and on. They don't whisper a thing in Williams whereas they tell straightly from Renault again that they are negotiating. Neither formula necessarily promises anything.

In principle one doesn't have to leave it up to Räikkönen when it comes to filling driver seats. Williams has at the least as their Plan B to put Valtteri Bottas racing, now that they have in addition to sponsor money also the assurance of his performance in Abu Dhabi's rookie test.

At this moment it looks most obvious that Bottas is more likely on the F1-grid with Williams next year than Räikkönen is.

My Polish reporter buddy just sent me greetings that he believes Finland has three drivers in next year's F1-serie: Bottas in Williams, Räikkönen in Lotus and Kovalainen in Caterham.

It's good to live in hope...

Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole

Räikkönen could replace Kubica

2011-11-28T13:38:00.000-02:00

Eric Boullier made it known already during Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that Kimi Räikkönen's manager had inquired about prospects for a team seat

Those who heard about it drew immediately the conclusions that it wasn't as sure that Räikkönen would be hired to Williams as the F1-media had believed.

As far as I know, no final decisions concerning Räikkönen has been made in Williams or in Renault for that matter. Both teams are believed to announce their drivers in the beginning of December.

In principle there's no rush since the test work for next season starts only on February 7th in Jerez.

Bouillier assured during Brazil GP that he has collected a long list of driver candidates. Among them Räikkönen is one of the options, but undoubtly the most famous one.

– It all depends upon the strategy we will take in the board of directors, but the decisions will be taken in the next couple weeks, Boullier informed.

Kubica's situation rubs relationships

Bouillier has got into an argument with manager Daniele Morelli over the way he has treated Robert Kubica. Renault published an announcement saying that Kubica won't rehabilitate in time for next season's start but Morelli denied it.

Boullier wants to ensure Kubica's plans and avoid the situation where he gives him a chance for testing so that he won't use it as a stepping stone to show his performance to another team - like for example Ferrari.

The only one who has a contract for next year in Lotus is Vitali Petrov.

Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole

Remu Aaltonen: Räikkönen travelled an insane distance to see our gig

2011-11-28T13:29:00.001-02:00

The rock legend Remu Aaltonen was impressed over the fact that Kimi Räikkönen travelled a long distance to get to see his gig in Spain.

Kimi Räikkönen was recently in Fuengirola, in Mai Tai -restaurant where Remu Aaltonen had a gig. Remu was performing as the lead singer of CostaGanes-band.

– It was a quite interesting story, my buddy said that Kimi Räikkönen had been on the gig. And after that dudes with messed up hair came backstage to say hi, they were slightly in a partying mood, Remu tells.

Kimi and his entourage had travelled to see the gig in Fuengirola all the way from Malta. Remu took Räikkönen's travelling as a gesture of honor.

– It was an insane distance, quite wild that they come to follow our gig on their day off. I was really impressed over that matter. Quite cool, you get it? They had arrived all the way from Malta on a boat, 30 liters fluids aren't enough, that much I understand.

Remu didn't have any deeper discussions with Räikkönen because Kimi's entourage continued shortly after the gig.

– When those kind of dudes come to a joint it's clear that they don't nest there. They just come and go, honoring with their presence. They had digged the gig, a pleased Remu tells.

Source: MTV3
Courtesy: Nicole

Video: BBC - Brazilian GP - Hamilton explains special Senna tribute helmet in Brazil

2011-11-26T19:15:00.002-02:00

Lewis Hamilton explains why he is wearing a specially-designed helmet as a tribute to his hero, the late Ayrton Senna, during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.

The helmet will be auctioned after the race in aid of the Ayrton Senna foundation, with Hamilton revealing he will "wear it proudly" in honour of the three-time world champion who Hamilton says was "one of the most significant people in my life growing up".

Source: SixtyBuckss

Super Vettel takes historic 15th pole in Brazil

2011-11-26T15:49:00.002-02:00

Sebastian Vettel broke an almost two decades old record, held by Nigel Mansell since 1992, when he powered to his 15th pole position of the season during qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix at Circuito Jose Carlos Pace in Sao Paulo.

Vettel scorched around an overcast Interlagos circuit in 1 minute 11.918 seconds, the only driver to dip into the 71 seconds zone with a staggering final lap in the session.

The 24-year-old German, who had equalled Nigel Mansell’s 1992 record of 14 in a single Formula One season at the previous race in Abu Dhabi, went a step further in Sao Paulo and etched his name in the record books yet again.

His team mate Mark Webber made it an all Red Bull front row of the grid when he too delivered an impressive lap to finish second quickest, 0.181 seconds down on his world champion team mate.

Clearly Red Bull found some energy and were given wings when it mattered. Record breaker Vettel summed up his history making afternoon: “There has been quite some talk before qualifying about this particular record and the best thing to do was not to think about it at all. We did have a rough start to the weekend where I was not 100% happy with the balance. But we made changes and I was happy. I put everything into my last lap and I was very emotional when I crossed the line because I knew whatever happened I gave it my all. It’s really special. It’s different than other poles. Obviously it took that master Nigel Mansell a couple of races less to do it but it is still very special to me. Now I’m just happy to be here and start from the front.”

Webber said: “I thought qualifying went well. The whole weekend, we’ve been strong. Seb did a good lap and my lap was pretty good which is very positive for tomorrow.”

The energy drinks team’s lockout of the front row will come as a blow to McLaren’s race hopes, as the Woking squad looked strong on Friday, but 24 hours later Jenson Button was third quickest 0.365 seconds down on Vettel with Hamilton fourth fastest albeit over half a second down off the champ.

Button was taking a positive spin from the afternoon, commenting afterwards: “I’m enjoying the moment because this is my best qualifying here for the last six years. I always love racing here; it’s such a good circuit for fighting and overtaking. Whatever happens this has been a great season for us but just not quite good enough. Hopefully we can end on a high tomorrow.”

After ending Friday fastest of all, Hamilton was expecting more from qualifying as he explained: “It’s a little bit disappointing. We’re still on the second row but I would have liked to have been stronger. I’m not too happy with my performance. I just wasn’t quick enough. I was a couple of tenths off Jenson [Button]. The Red Bulls were just massively quick. It’s definitely a place where you’re inspired because this is [Ayrton] Senna’s home. I’ve started fourth quite a few times here. Four is a good number for me. Let’s hope I can turn it into something more positive tomorrow.”

Digging deep, as he has had to do all year with the awkward Ferrari 150 Italia, was Fernando Alonso who will head up the third row after setting the fifth fastest time with his team mate Felipe Massa starting behind him on the grid, in seventh. The Brazilian. sporting a gold helmet for his 100th race for the Maranello squad was half a second down on the Spaniard.

Splitting the red cars was Nico Rosberg in the Mercedes GP who ended the session sixth and will start beside Alonso on the grid, while fellow German Adrian Sutil will start from eighth in the Force India VJM04.

The great Senna/Schumacher names will share a grid row for the first time in over 16 years as Bruno Senna – Ayrton Senna’s nephew – lines up his Renault beside Michael Schumacher’s Mercedes GP on the fifth row of the grid. Senna was ninth fastest and Schumacher tenth, the seven times world champion opting to save a set of tyres and not do a fast lap in Q3.

Paul di Resta was best of the rookies and will start 11th on the grid alongside the most experienced F1 driver of all time.

Delivering a remarkable performance and ending the session 12th was Rubens Barrichello in the woeful Williams FW33. If this weekend is the 39 year old’s last in Formula 1, then he obviously intends going out in style at his home grand prix.

The session ended as dark, clouds heavy with rain shifted into the Sao Paulo skies, with rain predicted for race day at Interlagos…

Qualifying times:

1. Sebastian Vettel Germany Red Bull-Renault 1m 11.918s
2. Mark Webber Australia Red Bull-Renault 1m 12.099s
3. Jenson Button Britain McLaren-Mercedes 1m 12.283s
4. Lewis Hamilton Britain McLaren-Mercedes 1m 12.480s
5. Fernando Alonso Spain Ferrari-Ferrari 1m 12.591s
6. Nico Rosberg Germany Mercedes-Mercedes 1m 13.050s
7 Felipe Massa Brazil Ferrari-Ferrari 1m 13.068s
8. Adrian Sutil Germany Force India-Mercedes 1m 13.298s
9. Bruno Senna Brazil Renault-Renault 1m 13.761s
10. Michael Schumacher Germany Mercedes-Mercedes no time Q3

11. Paul di Resta Britain Force India-Mercedes 1m 13.584s
12. Rubens Barrichello Brazil Williams-Cosworth 1m 13.801s
13. Jaime Alguersuari Spain Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m 13.804s
14. Sebastien Buemi Switzerland Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m 13.919s
15. Vitaly Petrov Russia Renault-Renault 1m 14.053s
16. Kamui Kobayashi Japan Sauber-Ferrari 1m 14.129s
17. Sergio Perez Mexico Sauber-Ferrari 1m 14.182s

18. Pastor Maldonado Venezuela Williams-Cosworth 1m 14.625s
19. Heikki Kovalainen Finland Lotus-Renault 1m 15.068s
20. Jarno Trulli Italy Lotus-Renault 1m 15.358s
21 Vitantonio Liuzzi Italy HRT-Cosworth 1m 16.631s
22. Daniel Ricciardo Australia HRT-Cosworth 1m 16.890s
23 Jerome d'Ambrosio Belgium Virgin-Cosworth 1m 17.019s
24. Timo Glock Germany Virgin-Cosworth 1m 17.060s

Source: YallaF1

Petrov hopes that he meets Räikkönen on the track

2011-11-26T08:49:00.000-02:00

Vitali Petrov has this year drove against five F1-champions. Nowadays also Kimi Räikkönen has been preparing his comeback to GP-races.

How has Petrov followed the WDC's career who comes from his neighboring country?

– Of course I have followed Kimi when he was at McLaren, he was always damn fast but also suffered from terrible mechanical flaws. Then at Ferrari he won the WDC in a splendid way.

– I'm sorry that I don't know Kimi personally. I hope he comes back. F1 is all the more splendid the more world champions it has, Petrov thinks.

Enjoys being in Finland

In Turun Sanomat's interview Renault's Russian driver shed light on his other relations to Finland as a Vyborger.

– I live in Oxford but I spend my vacations in Vyborg. I often go to Finland with my family and friends. We usually do some shopping and go to a spa. Yet the formalities when crossing the border are always the same.

– Sometimes when we think about what to do and decide to visit Finland, we notice that it's Friday and you don't want to leave then because it would take too much time at the border, Petrov told.

Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole

Video: BBC - Brazilian GP - Lewis Hamilton seeking wet race to be competitive in Brazil

2011-11-25T22:56:00.002-02:00

Lewis Hamilton believes McLaren will be "there or there abouts", but does not think they will be able to challenge Red Bull for victory in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix as long as conditions stay dry.

Wet weather has been forecast for the race at Interlagos, with Hamilton expecting the car to be "really good in the wet" if the predicted rain does fall in Sao Paulo

Source: SixtyBuckss

Räikkönen now negotiating with Renault

2011-11-25T22:29:00.003-02:00

Several media sources at the Brazilian Grand Prix are now reporting that negotiations between Kimi Raikkonen and Williams are over.

“It’s true that we had serious negotiations with Raikkonen,” Williams team boss Sir Frank Williams said to Italy’s La Stampa, indicating that the team is no longer negotiating with the 2007 world champion.

French website Sportune.fr reported that the negotiations broke down because Raikkonen’s managers, David and Steve Robertson were asking for 30 million euros for just the 2012 season – which is 30% of the annual budget of the Grove team. Williams proposed a counter-offer of a fixed salary of 6 million euros and 10 million euros in stock for the 2012 and 2013 seaons. The counter-offer was not accepted by Raikkonen’s management.

However, Renault team principal Eric Boullier admitted today in an interview with Finnish television broadcaster MTV3 that Raikkonen’s management has been in contact with Renault regarding a potential drive with the Renault team for next year.

“I will not tell anything about it but yes, we have contact with the management of Kimi,” said Boullier, when asked whether Raikkonen was still an option for the team next year. Boullier also did not give a definite date for when they would be making decisions about drivers.

The Renault team principal refused to elaborate more on the negotiations, saying: “Nothing more about this matter. Ask them [Raikkonen's management]. I learned from last year and I don’t want to talk anymore about this matter.”

Boullier was referring to the big media fallout between Raikkonen and Renault last year after Robert Kubica’s tragic accident left one of the Renault seats vacant. Raikkonen’s management had quietly sounded out the Renault team with a view of returning to Formula One in 2011. Boullier had described Raikkonen’s interest in driving for Renault next year as “flattering” but insisted that he wanted to meet Raikkonen face to face to find out about the Finn’s motivation to return to Formula One. Raikkonen hit back angrily at the team, accusing them of using his name merely for marketing purposes.

Source: F1Zone.net