Circuit: Bahrain International Circuit – 5.412 km
Driver: Kimi Raikkonen
Car: Ferrari F60
Weather: air temperature 16/21 °C, track temperature 16/29 °C. Sunny with hazy skies.
After two days affected by poor visibility, finally the weather in
Bahrain improved enough so that this day of testing could proceed as
normal. Therefore, Kimi Raikkonen, who was unable to do anything at all
yesterday, managed to get his first run in the Ferrari F60 on a dry
track, even if it was still very dirty because of a covering of sand in
the first hours of the morning.
Kimi concentrated mainly on finding the
best set-up for the car and covered a total of 105 laps, setting a best
time of 1:33.350. The only hiccup of the day was down to a hydraulic
problem which occurred shortly after 15:00 and was then fixed.
The Scuderia will resume testing at this circuit on Monday 16th February, again with Kimi Raikkonen on track.
"The track was very slippery in the morning, due to the sand, but we
managed to go ahead with our programme," said Raikkonen. "It’s a pity
for the time we lost over the last days, but it didn’t depend on us.
This happens and you just have to accept it. My first day with the new
F60 on a dry track was extremely positive.
"I immediately had a good feeling although it’s still too early to
say where we are compared to our competitors. The car is improving and
there are no especially critical areas. We used the KERS also today and
I’m happy with how it works, apart from some minor childhood disease."
Today’s times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:33.325 105
2. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:33.429 127
3. Klien BMW-Sauber (B) 1:33.666 125
That’s good news, as finally Kimi got some serious testing done in the dry with the F60! Had a little spin too but that’s bound to happen when you’re understanding the car in different conditions, as he did in Mugello. And as you can see from the pictures, Kimi’s revamped helmet made it’s debut today (yesterday doesn’t count, haha). I personally love it – usually the busy type doesn’t appeal to me but Kimi’s made it original, colourful and distinctive. Thumbs from from KRS! Check out this cool amateur video from the pits straight at Sahkir circuit, great sound of the engines! Thanks to TheBeeste at YouTube.
Here is a translated interview with Kimi after the test on Friday (many thanks to AFCA, who also confirmed that Massa stated he is sure than he holds the No.3 on his car and Kimi the No.4 for this season)
Q: How do you like the slick tyres ?
Raikkonen: ”They’re quite good even though I had a spin in the
morning, but it was the first time I tested on a dry track. We know
where we are and it’s a good starting point. The lost days ? I’m here
to drive, there was nothing we could do to change the situation. Now
I’ve made up for it a bit.”
Q: You’ve been driving with KERS…
Raikkonen: ”And it works well, sometimes it has problems (minor
problem on Monday – AFCA) but today it was perfect, like it was in
Mugello. It’s a nice addition.”
Q: Which of the new regulations do you like most ?
Raikkonen: ”Certainly I like the slicks because they allow for a more
exciting drive with respect to the grooved tyres, even though you slide
about more when they’re worn down. We hope we can improve the tyre
(management) with the Grand Prix’ in sight. In any case, for F1 it’s
the best choice.”
Q: Were the tyres worn down when you spun ?
Raikkonen: ”It wasn’t down to the tyres: I ended up in a run-off area which was very slippery and dusty.”
Q: How do you prepare for the new season, does anything change ?
Raikkonen: ”I don’t know. I hope to do well. I try to give my utmost in testing to be ready for the Grand Prix’.”
Q: Is it true that you’ve decided to only drink water and coca-cola in order to come back to the winning ways ?
Raikkonen: ”A Finnish paper wrote that. I don’t think I have to talk about my private life.”
FUCK ISRAEL 
What a happy begining! i’m so glad to see that, thanks a lot! i’m so excited!!!! i miss so much that sound! :-)i’m going to find more news on the forum after a busy working day myself too! Thanks for all!!and Go Kimi !!
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The new helmet is so cool I like it. I am so happy to see Kimi again on the circuit. I miss him so much. T_T
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Hey~I haven’t seen kimi for a long long time~~It’s a great job.Goooo kimi.
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oh kimi have a new helmat nice cool like ice and the back of hes helmet….good to c kimi drive the new car,nice video hope more vid to come..i cant wait to c the start of the race next month..go kimi!!!!!!!!!!!!!our world champ……
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I like this new helmat, last looked better, but this one is good too! Thank you for putting this interview here, Saima! ” I don’t think I have to talk about my private life.” Kimi NEVER talks about his personal life, NEVER, but like he said, he don’t have to, LOL! Keep flying Kimi, keep flying Saima!
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I love the interview, don’t know if it’s just me, but I feel so much enthusiasm in his words! He likes the tyres, the kers works well, it’s definitely a good start even if we’re only at the first day! Let’s hope tomorrow and on tuesday he can keep on practising at his best! And LOL at the last answer 😉
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KIMI GAMBATTE IN THIS SEASONCHIAYOOOOO
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