Interview – Kimi: pleased with the car more than before

Source: f1news.ru | Translation courtesy of Denorth

When Kimi Raikkonen retired from Formula 1, its popularity in Finland had clearly slowed down. Of course, a racing culture in this country is very developed, and these fans went to watch the championship, but  what an example cited colleague from the Finnish TV channel MTV3: “In the past two years, there were times when some Helsinki taxi driver on the way to the airport complained that without Kimi Formula 1 watch is not that interesting.” But now the audience are literally agitated! In Hungary, thousands of Finnish fans flew to the circuit, all hoping that he will win this race.”

Q: Are you pleased that the ratings of TV coverage in the Finnish Formula 1 are steadily growing – and all because you’re back in the championship and performing so well? Or you don’t care?
KR: Actually, I do not care. No, of course, if a Finnish athlete achieves success (no matter who it is – skier or ski jumper or someone else) the audience responds to, and interest is growing. Conversely, if in any sport, not only in Formula 1, there is no progress, the interest falls – it is absolutely normal. So it’s great that people are watching the race again, but for me, honestly, there is much difference.

I do my job – if the audience watching it – good. If not – in my life, nothing changes. (Chuckles) But honestly, I’m still pleased … But, you know, I have to push the same way – whether I have a fan, or millions. But if in different countries (in some more, in some less) people like what we do – it’s good for me and for the team.

Q: According to statistics, more podiums in the middle of the championship than it is now, you only had in the best years of your career. How would you rate this season?
KR: I do not think that this is my job to put some estimates. But I’m happy with how things are going, though probably in a few races we could do better. Although, one can always argue that the situation could be better or worse, so we’ll try to make the second half of the championship even more successful.

Q: So, you are happy but not surprised that everything was going so well?
KR: But I know how it works in Formula 1 and I, of course, it helps that the team has built a good car. I do everything in my power, and if this is sufficient for good results – so that’s enough. But so far we have not been able to win races, so I hope we have yet to show [how good we are].

Still, Formula 1 remains the same, only the team has changed, and when it is possible to perform well, it makes your life easier. Although for me, little has changed in the championship since my first Grand Prix. People are basically the same, races are held on the same tracks, and even when you change the team it is still little for you that is changing.

Q: It seems that you are already quite comfortable behind the wheel of Lotus E20: is it you already got used to the car, or is it a progress of the team that understands better how to configure a car for you?
KR: Well, in the last race I was more pleased with the machine than at any other stage of the season, but this is explained by the fact that we continue to work on the E20, continue to search for optimal settings, and we have achieved something.

There were certain reasons why a number of previous races went down not that successfully; but hopefully, we were able to understand. If it continues as well as in Hockenheim, I think we will be able to show good results on all tracks.

Q: Do you mean that now you don’t have previous problems with the steering?
KR: Not only, I’m talking about the settings in general. Although, the power steering still works imperfectly, but definitely better than at the beginning of the year. We continue to deal with this, but it’s not the easiest task.

Q: Can you say that the Lotus F1 has become a truly “your” team, work in it is comfortable, and team understands you well?
KR: No, it’s not my team! (Laughs) It belongs to other people! I was just here to work, performing in the races. But we work together really well. Of course, communication between drivers and all the experts are gradually gaining strength, but it’s ok, that process takes time, because we have started to work together only recently, and there are now almost no tests in F1.

Q: What do you think on which of the remaining tracks you will have the best chance of winning?
KR: In general, we had a nice run in all previous races, so hopefully we can fight for victory at all tracks, but the team must continue to upgrade the machine, because the rivals are not standing still. Maybe we can win at the Hungaroring is, or it will happen at other track – I do not know …

Q: In your career have you tried different categories – not only in Formula 1 and rally, but also on American racing oval tracks: from a professional point of view what gives you more pleasure?
KR: It’s all very different types of races, and it is very difficult to compare. In America, a completely different racing culture, especially when it comes to NASCAR. And the rally has very little in common with the other categories. But they are all very interesting, and I have always enjoyed, wherever I performed. And I would be happy to start again in rally or race on the oval.

But, of course, the hardest discipline of all – it’s rally. NASCAR looks simple, but they also have their tricks, and to be fast on the ovals – another kind of science. But I like that, there is a very tough competition, and the minimum distance between vehicles. Besides, I like the more relaxed (than in the F1) atmosphere that accompanies American races. I hope someday I will find time and go back to America. But to compare these categories, I would not …