Kimi Raikkonen :”Formula 1 is something very special for me”

2007 Formula World Champion Kimi Raikkonen talks about his return to the sport with Team Lotus F1 after two years in the World Rally Championship.

Why F1?
Kimi Raikkonen: “Formula 1 is something very special in my racing career, and you always want to race at the highest level, Formula 1 is where you want to race, if you have a choice.”

What do you think of the team. Now that you've completed a two-day test?
Kimi Raikkonen: “I'm happy with the team, they are very capable people, it was nice to work with them for the two days of testing I did in the R30. I think we will have a lot to enjoy next season and hopefully get some good results. I want a car strong enough to aim for good results.”

When did you decide to leave rallying and return to Formula 1?
Kimi Raikkonen: “When I raced in NASCAR, I enjoyed racing and decided I wanted to race more. I still want to do rallying and if I could I would have done both at the same time – but that's not possible. I want to race against other drivers and I realized that I missed that – that's when I decided that if there was a good opportunity to come back I would.”

What are your opinions on this Formula 1, has it changed a lot compared to two years ago?
Kimi Raikkonen: “In 2010 I didn't really follow Formula 1, but I watched other races from last year. In reality they haven't changed much, but overtaking is possible in some sectors of a circuit where the drivers just need to open the rear wing and the driver in front has no chance to defend himself - is this a real overtaking? I do not believe. But the show is certainly better. The tires also make a difference, and there is a big difference in speed between when you fit new tires and when the tires are old. In the old Formula 1, you had to be a lot faster than the guy in front of you to have any chance of overtaking, but now with the tires and the DRS, it's different.”

Do you have something to prove with your return?
Kimi Raikkonen: “I think people expect a lot of things from me, but as long as I know I'm giving 100% and I'm happy with my riding then I'm happy. If these things are true and it's not enough, then it's not enough.”

Your new teammate is Romain Grosjean..
Kimi Raikkonen: “I think we will have a good relationship. I met him before Christmas and raced against him in 2009. He seems like a very nice, normal guy, so I don't think there will be any problems with him.”