Raikkonen: "I enjoy it"

Kimi Raikkonen has expressed satisfaction with the progress of his comeback season and still want to win this year - enjoys current Formula 1 

(Motorsport-Total.com) - Former world champion Kimi Raikkonen in his comeback season copes much better than Michael Schumacher two years ago. After seven races the champion of 2007 already has two podium finishes on the credit side. Schumacher is still looking for his first top-3 placement since his comeback. 

The driving talent alone isn’t responsible for the 55 championship points collected so far this year according to Raikkonen. "It's the total package. Without the necessary equipment you'll not be able to achieve good results," the Lotus-pilot says at a sponsor event in Munich and highlights with a look at the E20: "We have a good car, which makes life easier." 

Despite the rule changes compared to his first Formula 1 career, Raikkonen is still pleased with F1. "I enjoy it, otherwise I would not come back," says the "Iceman" and thinks that the rule changes are overrated. "The difference is not so big. There are some new rules compared to back then, but not more." 

So now, in contrast to the 2009 season, which Raikkonen still drove for Ferrari, there is no refueling. "We have now KERS again and also DRS," says the Lotus driver. In particular, the adjustable rear wing fulfills its purpose, about a too artificial Formula 1, the Finn wants none of: "People enjoy it because it makes the races more interesting. Overall I think DRS is a good thing for Formula 1 since it improved the show." 

The Pirelli tires that because of their unpredictable behavior, not all drivers and teams are happy with and thus often lead to unpredictable race results are not a fun killer for Raikkonen. "The tires may be a little different, but they are the same for everyone," he notes, and assures: "The racing itself, I've always enjoyed, back then as now." 

Satisfaction with season so far 

Overall, the Finn is satisfied with the progress of his comeback season,. "Of course you always want better results and more points, but so far the season is pretty good. The people in the team are very professional and the atmosphere is very relaxed," says the Lotus driver. "The good start to the season has obviously helped and led that everybody in the team approaches with great motivation. I'm very happy with the team." 

"The team's goal was to be among the top four in the constructors standings. Currently we are number three," Raikkonen says and sets out the planned direction for the remainder of the season: "Of course we want to be even more frequently on the podium and also win a few races. To do that we just have to work harder and improve the car, then all teams make progress." 

No concrete prediction for Valencia 

Regarding the upcoming European Grand Prix in Valencia the "Iceman" doesn’t want to give an explicit prediction. "We have to wait. We had a pretty good weekend in Montreal as a team. The track in Valencia, however, is different. It is a street circuit, which we do not yet know how well our car will be there." 

"I think that we should look pretty well like at the past races," said Raikkonen. "Also in Monaco we did not look so bad. I see no reason why we shouldn’t have a good race in Valencia but can’t yet say what position I will end. I just hope that I will be there at the front in the final phase." If this were the case, the Finn in the service of the Lotus team could be the eighth winner in the eighth race of a very diverse 2012 season. 

Looking forward to the "Ardennes rollercoaster" 

While Raikkonen knows the street circuit in Valencia already from his past as a Ferrari driver, there are now some tracks in the calendar, which mean new territory for him. The Finn will compete this year for the first time in India and Korea. The same applies for the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, which will be new for all drivers. 

So for the question of his favorite track on the calendar Raikkonen is limited to the familiar courses. His response is not surprising. "I would say that Spa is my favorite track," replies the four-time winner of the Grand Prix of Belgium. 

Also he likes the Hockenheimring, which hosts this year the Grand Prix of Germany: "I like the circuit. Unfortunately I never was very lucky there in the past and didn’t often finish. Something always went wrong, but the track itself allows good races."

Fonte: motorsport-total.com / Tradução para o Inglês: Miezicat

Ele realmente parece estar gostando. Então está bom né? E como disse, não é só ele que tem conseguido os resultados, é o trabalho de toda uma equipe.

A pista favorita dele é Spa... claro!!! Todo mundo sabe disto né Kimi?!  rsrsrs... Eu, ao contrário de você, não gosto de corridas na Alemanha, porque não te dão sorte. É impressionante! Já estou até me preparando psicologicamente.#fato

Beijinhos, Ludy