At the end of last weekend's Rally Sweden, RallyBuzz caught up with Kimi Raikkonen to ask him about this year's WRC events and what his expectations are for the rest of the season.
The former F1 World Champion had a shaky start to his 2010 championship campaign after getting stuck in several snow banks over the course of Rally Sweden. His stage times improved as the event progressed and he eventually brought the Red Bull-backed Citroen C4 WRC home in 30th place.
The 31-year-old Finnish driver is part of the Citroën Junior World Rally Team for the 2010 season and is co-driven by Kaj Lindstrom, the man who used to partner multiple rally champion Tommi Makinen.
Kimi Raikkonen Q&A
RB: There are many differences between Formula 1 and rallying. What will you miss about Grand Prix racing, and what do you feel is the best thing about rallying?
KR:“For the time being I am still getting used to rally, so it is very difficult to compare. Obviously the speed in rally is not the same as the Formula 1 car but the best thing about rally is that there are so many different surfaces and you have to try to be quick on all of them. On a race circuit you only have a few different corners but on a rally you have hundreds. I am really looking forward to that a lot; it is a big challenge for me.”
RB: You’re joining Sebastien Loeb driving a similar Citroen C4, one of the most competitive cars in the WRC. What are your expectations for the season?
KR:“I don’t have any particular expectations or pressures. I just want to learn as much as possible, do my best and try to fight with the other guys. Obviously this won’t come straight away, but in time I’m sure we can do it.”
RB: Drivers are often needed to make running repairs and alterations to their cars during an event. What training have you done to prepare?
KR:“Yes this is something that is new to me and it’s still something where I have a lot to learn. I have done some training with the engineers and mechanics to know some basic things. Luckily my co-driver Kaj Lindstrom is very experienced so I am sure that this is an area where he can help me as well.”
RB: With the WRC season taking in 13 events in 2010, which rallies are you most looking forward to?
KR:“Like I said before, what I like about rallying is the fact that there is a very wide variety of events, so there is not one special one I am looking forward to most – although it will be nice to do Finland as it is at home and a rally I have done before. What I will like most is the variety of different rallies. The snow is Sweden was very specialised though; I think when we get on gravel it will be a bit easier as the surfaces will be more consistent.”
Kimi is optimistic about the next event in the championship, Rally Mexico, which starts on March 4th and will of course be on gravel, a surface he feels may be easier for him to adjust to.
It will be fascinating to see how the 2007 F1 World Champion adapts to his new discipline throughout the 2010 WRC season.
Photos: Willy Weyens ©willyweyens-rallyworld
