Kimi Räikkönen Multimedia » Interviews

Quelle: www.motorsport-total.com (17. Dezember 2002 - 16:11 Uhr)

Kimi Räikkönen: "In fünf Jahren sind wir Weltmeister!"
McLaren-Mercedes-Pilot Kimi Räikkönen beantwortet für seine Fans jede Menge persönliche Fragen

(Motorsport-Total.com) - In einem Chat für einen Teamsponsor beantwortete Kimi Räikkönen vor kurzem am Rande der Testfahrten in Jerez die Fragen seiner Fans. Hier finden Sie ein paar interessante Fragen aus dem Chat.
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Frage: "Hast du schon alle deine Weihnachtsgeschenke zusammen?"
Kimi Räikkönen: "Nein, noch nicht. Ich muss noch einkaufen gehen."

Frage: "Bist du schneller als Michael Schumacher?"
Räikkönen: "Ja."

Frage: "Welches war dein schönster, welches dein schlimmster Moment in der Formel 1?"
Räikkönen: "Mein schönster war die Podiumsplatzierung in Australien, mein schlimmster Magny-Cours."

Frage: "Nachdem Spa nicht mehr im Kalender ist, welches ist nun deine Lieblingsstrecke?"
Räikkönen: "Monaco um ehrlich zu sein. Eine großartige Herausforderung und Atmosphäre."

Frage: "Wirst du dir das Paragon anschauen, wenn es fertig ist? Und was denkst du über die neuen Regeln?"
Räikkönen: "Ich war schon im Paragon, das ist jedoch schon ein Jahr her und ich denke, dass seitdem eine Menge passiert ist. Ich freue mich aus diesem Grund schon auf den nächsten Besuch. Ich denke, dass das Qualifying für die Fans deutlich interessanter sein wird."

Frage: "Denkst du, dass du mit dem neuen Qualifying-Modus gut zurechtkommen wirst?"
Räikkönen: "Ich denke nicht, dass es einen großen Unterschied ausmachen wird."

Frage: "Pinkelst du im Stehen oder Sitzen?"
Räikkönen: "Stehend!"

Frage: "Was denkst du über den Großen Preis von Ungarn?"
Räikkönen: "Er ist ziemlich nett. Ich mag ihn und dort hat es immer sehr viele finnische Fans. Leider ist das Überholen dort ein wenig schwierig."
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Frage: "Denkst du, dass McLaren im kommenden Jahr Ferrari schlagen kann?"
Räikkönen: "Ja, ich weiß, dass wir daran sehr, sehr hart arbeiten."

Frage: "Was sagt deine Freundin dazu, dass du in der Formel 1 fährst?"
Räikkönen: "Sie ist glücklich und kann damit umgehen."

Frage: "Wenn du auf eine einsame Insel kommen würdest, welche drei Dinge würdest du dort mitnehmen?"
Räikkönen: "Jede Menge Essen, meine Freundin und einen Helikopter."

Frage: "Hast du dein eigenes Motorhome?"
Räikkönen: "Nein."

Frage: "Du hast an deinem Handgelenk ein Tattoo, es zeigt eine grüne Sonne. Wie alt warst du, als du es dir machen ließt?"
Räikkönen: "Tatsächlich ist es schwarz und ich ließ es mir im Sommer 2001 machen."

Frage: "Welches war deiner Meinung nach das beste Überholmanöver in der Geschichte der Formel 1?"
Räikkönen: "Mika Häkkinen, wie er Michael Schumacher in Spa 2000 überholte."

Frage: "Hast du unter den anderen Fahrern Freunde?"
Räikkönen: "Ich bin mit Mika gut befreundet aber unter den anderen Fahrern habe ich keine wirklichen Freunde."

Frage: "Du scheinst immer extrem cool zu sein, aber gibt es auch Momente, in denen du nervös bist?"
Räikkönen: "Vor dem Start werde ich immer ein wenig nervös, aber ich denke, dass das normal ist. Wenn man erst einmal losgefahren ist, vergisst man alles."

Frage: "Hast du einen Lieblingsfilm?"
Räikkönen: "Ich mag 'Nur noch 60 Sekunden' ganz gern."
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Frage: "Kannst du schon etwas über das Auto der Saison 2003 sagen?"
Räikkönen: "Es ist zu früh, darüber etwas zu sagen. Im Moment fahre ich den MP4-17 und ich werde den MP4-18 nicht vor dem Beginn der Europa-Saison verwenden."

Frage: "Welches Auto fährst du privat? Ist es noch dein Traum, für Ferrari zu fahren?"
Räikkönen: "Ich fahre einen Mercedes-Benz CLK. Ferrari? Nein, nicht wirklich."

Frage: "Was ist dein Lieblingsessen und -Getränk?"
Räikkönen: "Ich mag ganz gerne Chicken Pasta und Cola."

Frage: "Schaust du dir auch andere Motorsportarten an?"
Räikkönen: "Ich schaue mir so ziemlich jeden Motorsport im Fernsehen an."

Frage: "Hast du noch einen Wohnsitz in Finnland?"
Räikkönen: "Nein."

Frage: "Was war dein Lieblingsfach in der Schule?"
Räikkönen: "Ich mochte Sport, vor allem wenn wir im Winter Eishockey gespielt haben."

Frage: "Was denkst du über dein erstes Jahr bei McLaren und stehst du noch in Kontakt mit Mika Häkkinen?"
Räikkönen: "Ja, ich stehe immer noch in Kontakt zu Mika, ich habe mich mit ihm erst vergangene Woche wieder getroffen. Nun, die Saison war ziemlich schwierig, da ich ein paar Probleme hatte."

Frage: "Wie viel glaubst du kann man als Fahrer lernen und was ist Talent? Welche Details hast du bei Schumacher gesehen, die dir sagen, dass du ihn schlagen kannst?"
Räikkönen: "Man kann mit Sicherheit immer dazulernen, aber die Hauptsache ist, dass man viel Talent mitbringt, ansonsten wird es schwierig. Was Schumacher angeht, so behalte ich das lieber für mich, er könnte ja im Chat sein!"

Frage: "Kannst du dich noch daran erinnern, als du das erste Mal ein Formel-1-Auto fuhrst?"
Räikkönen: "Daran kann ich mich ganz genau erinnern. Es war in Mugello und wirklich sehr nett und so anders im Vergleich zu allem anderen, was ich bisher gefahren bin. Fantastisch!"

Frage: "Was wünschst du dir zu Weihnachten?"
Räikkönen: "Einfach ein wenig Zeit mit meiner Freundin und meiner Familie verbringen, entspannen und zu viel essen – wie jeder andere nehme ich einmal an."
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Frage: "Wo siehst du dich und das McLaren-Team in fünf Jahren?"
Räikkönen: "Da sind wir Weltmeister."

Frage: "Was sind deine Ziele für das kommende Jahr?"
Räikkönen: "Das Ziel ist es immer, so viele Rennen wie möglich zu gewinnen. Ich kann nicht vorhersagen, dass dies passieren wird aber ich weiß, dass das Team und ich selbst unser Bestes geben."

Frage: "Was denkst du über brasilianische Fahrer?"
Räikkönen: "Sie sind schnell aber nicht schnell genug!"

Frage: "Was magst du an der Formel 1 am meisten?"
Räikkönen: "Das ist einfach, im Auto sitzen und Vollgas geben!"

Frage: "Wie oft besuchen dich deine Freunde bei den Grand-Prix-Wochenenden?"
Räikkönen: "Nicht sehr oft, ich denke im letzten Jahr waren bei vier Rennen Freunde dabei. Ich kann aber nicht sehr viel Zeit mit ihnen bei den Rennen verbringen da ich immer sehr beschäftigt bin."

Questions and Answers mit Kimi
Die Leser der finnischen Zeitschrift Iltalehti hatten die Gelegenheit Formel 1-Star Kimi Räikkönen Fragen zu stellen.
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Q: Bist du der beste Formel 1 Fahrer der Welt?
A: Du stellst eine schwere Frage gleich zu Anfang. Ich kann nichts anderes sagen als ja, bin ich.

Q: Was dachtest du eine Minute vor dem Start des USA-GP 2005?
A: Was ich dachte? Ob ich fahren darf oder nicht. Ich war natürlich etwas irritiert.

Q: Würdest du es besser finden, wenn Reifenwechsel unter dem Rennen wieder erlaubt sind?
A: Also zurück zur alten Regel? Nein, die neue Regel ist schon OK.

Q: Wie würde es in der Formel 1 mehr Überholmanöver geben?
A: Weniger Down-Force am Auto und mehr Traktion in den Reifen.

Q: Würdest du gerne mit Michael Schumacher im gleichen Team fahren? Wer würde der beste Teamkollege im Moment sein?
A: Wer mein Teamkollege ist, ist mir eigentlich ziemlich egal. Auf der anderen Seite würde es schön sein, irgendwann einmal Michael Schumacher als Teamkollege zu haben, dann würden wir sehen wer im gleichen Auto schneller ist.

Q: Wie würdest du die Unterschiede im Fahrstil zwischen dir und Montoya beschreiben?
A: Montoya hat vielleicht einen bisschen härteren Fahrstil. Er beansprucht die Reifen mehr.

Q: Wie viel Autorität hast du am GP-Wochenende? Kannst du zum Beispiel selbst entscheidenden wann und wie viele Boxenstopps du machst?
A: Eigentlich haben die Fahrer nicht das alleinige Entscheidungsrecht. Wir entscheiden zusammen im Team-Meeting. Natürlich bekommt der Fahrer die Chance das Auto so abzustimmen, wie er es braucht. Aber die taktischen Entscheidungen hängen mit so vielen Sachen zusammen; da gibt es Personen die das besser berechnen können als die Fahrer.

Q: Was ist deine schönste Erinnerung in der Formel 1 im Moment?
A: Der Sieg in Monaco im Mai 2005. Es ist so schwer da zu gewinnen, es können so viele Dinge passieren. Auf der anderen Seite war der Sieg in Spa letztes Jahr auch super.

Q: Was ist dein schlimmster Unfall in der Formel 1 bis jetzt gewesen?
A: Der schlimmste war wahrscheinlich ganz am Anfang beim Saubertest in Magny-Course. Ich habe die Kontrolle verloren und bin geradewegs in die Begrenzungsmauer gefahren. Sie haben mich mit dem Hubschrauber in das Krankenhaus geflogen. Am Rücken wurde etwas verletzt, aber glücklicherweise nicht schlimm.
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Q: Was ist deine Lieblingsstrecke? Und gibt es eine Stecke, die du nicht magst?
A: Wahrscheinlich mag ich Spa am Meisten. Es ist eine altmodische Strecke mit Racing-Style. Es gibt viele Hügel, was gut ist. Ich habe nicht wirklich Stecken, die ich nicht mag. Alle sind OK. Manchmal ist nur die Umgebung nicht so schön.

Q: Was war dein peinlichster Moment in deiner Formel 1 Karriere?
A: Ich weiß gar nicht ob da was peinlich war. Es ist zwar nicht wirklich peinlich, aber in Frankreich 2002 verschenkte ich meinen ersten Sieg wegen Öl auf der Strecke. Ich schäme mich nicht, aber es war ärgerlich.

Q: Kannst du alle Pokale behalten die du bekommst? Wann ja, sind sie an einem bestimmten Platz bei dir zu Hause?
A: Nein, ich darf sie nicht behalten. Ich habe nur einen echten Pokal von meinem ersten Sieg in Malaysia. Alle anderen sind Nachbildungen, also nicht die gleichen Pokale die ich auf dem Podium bekomme. Die Echten bekommt das Team. Das ist aber bei jedem Team unterschiedlich. Aber ich habe Nachbildungen von allen Pokalen, die ich gewonnen habe und die sind alle in der Schweiz in einer Vitrine.

Q: Hattest du jemals das Gefühl während des Rennens auf die Toilette zu müssen?
A: Ich kann mich nicht erinnern, dass ich dieses Gefühl gehabt habe.

Q: Wenn es während des Rennens regnet, wie kommt dann das Wasser aus dem Auto wieder raus?
A: Das Wasser kommt erst gar nicht richtig rein, weil kein Platz ist. Nur meine Schuhe, mein Anzug und mein Helm werden nass.

Q: Trinkst du viel während dem Fahren oder hast du überhaupt keine Zeit dafür bei den Geschwindigkeiten?
A: Das kommt darauf an. In manchen Rennen trinke ich während dem Fahren, in manchen gar nicht. Es gibt einen Trinkschlauch vom Cockpit zum Helm und am Lenkrad ist ein Knopf, wenn man darauf drückt kommt das Trinken.

Q: Wie kannst du schnäuzen während du Formel 1 fährst? Es scheint nicht einfach zu sein während dem Fahren zu schnäuzen mit dem Helm und der Geschwindigkeit.
A: Ich habe noch nie während des Fahrens geschnäuzt und ich glaube ich hätte auch nichts zum schnäuzen da, du schnäuzt einfach wenn du musst.

Q: Was war dein erstes Auto?
A: Ein schwarzer Lada, angemalt mit Spray. Das erste Mal als ich ihn fuhr war an meinem Geburtstag, dem 17.10.1997. Ich habe das Auto kostenlos bekommen weil es einen Motorschaden hatte. Ich tauschte den Motor mit Freunden in der Schule zusammen aus. Später verkaufte ich das Auto für 1000 finnische Mark an meinen Freund und er verkaufte es wieder, auch für 1000 Mark.

Q: Welches Auto fährst du meistens im normalen Straßenverkehr?
A: Mercedes-Benz. Ein DTM-Mercedes, Modell E55 AMG.

Q: Was würdest du machen, wann du nicht Formel 1-Fahrer wärst?
A: Wahrscheinlich würde ich etwas machen, das mit Motorsport zu tun hat. Vielleicht würde ich Motocross fahren oder sowas in der Art.
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Q: Wenn du den Champagner auf dem Podium bekommst, wieso trinkst du dann immer zuerst?
A: Ich muss es ja zuerst probieren, sonst würde ja später alles weg sein.

Q: Sind die weiblichen Fans zu aufgeregt? Nerven sie dich?
A: Nein, sie nerven nicht. Ich bekomme jede Woche Post von einer italienischen Frau, meist Karten.

Q: Würdest du gerne weibliche Fahrer in der Formel 1 haben?
A: Ja, das wäre OK.

Q: Wie hat dein Hund den Namen Ajax bekommen?
A: Als wir ihn in der Schweiz gekauft haben, hieß er schon Ajax. Weil uns dann kein besserer Name eingefallen ist blieb es bei Ajax.

Q: Wie viel Zeit hast du deinen anderen Hobbys nachzugehen?
A: Also während der Saison habe ich wenig Zeit. Ich habe viele andere Hobbys. Im Winter fahre ich gerne Schneemobil und Snowboard und im Sommer Motocross und Jet-Ski. Außerdem spiele ich gerne Golf und Tennis. Erst vor kurzem habe ich gegen Mark (Arnall) im Tennis gewonnen.

Q: Wie ist deine Ehe mit Jenni?
A: Wir verstehen uns gut.

Q: Wann wirst du ein Kind bekommen?
A: Wahrscheinlich nicht bald. Eigentlich musst du da meine Frau fragen.

Hier mal was Englisches. Das ist die volle Version vom ersten Interview. Und ist das unsere claudie?

Kimi at West Web Chat 2002
Kimi answering questions from his fans in the West Web chat.
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Question from Joonas:
Is "dude_blink@hotmail.com" your e-mail address? Do you have one?
Answer: Hi there - First of all sorry that I'm a bit late but I have been testing all day in Jerez in Spain and have only just got back to my hotel......Joonas - this is not my email address - sorry...

Question from Joonas:
How often do your friends visit you on a Grand Prix weekend?
Answer: It's not often but last year I think I had friends with me at about four races. However I don't get to spend so much time with them at the races as I'm always very busy

Question from gav:
Kimi, what is your favourite aspect of F1 racing?
Answer: Easy - it's being in the car going flat out

Question from Barrichello:
What do you think about pilots' Brazilian ?
Answer: They are quick but not quick enough!

Question from Marius Israel:
I think you will also brake with the left foot. Is it difficult for you to change again, when using a road car with standard clutch? b.t.w.: Did Kikka already told you about my Fanpage project? www.raikkonenkimi.com & www.kimppa.de
Answer: Hi Marius - I do brake with my left foot and it´s not too big a problem to change as my car is an automatic...I haven't seen your websites but I will have a look later

Question from Milivoje Kovacevic:
What can you say about your ambitions for next season? Could you be in better then David? Would Michael be champion again? Are you ready to continue there were Mika Hakkinen stopped? Best Regards, Milivoje Kovacevic, Journalist from Montenegro
Answer: The aim as always is to win as many races as we can...I can't predict what will happen but I know that the team and myself will do the best we can = keep your fingers crossed

Question from Emzi:
What is your favorite Finnish band?
Answer: BOMFUNK MC
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Question from Mari:
Hy Kimi, I`m a big Fan of you! Wanna ask, if u come sometimes on your Official Website? lg mari
Answer: Yes for sure.

Question from Andrew D'Hooge:
Where do you see yourself and the McLaren team in five years?
Answer: Worldchampions

Question from Jayne:
What would you like for Christmas?
Answer: Just to spend some time with my girlfriend and my family relaxing and eating too much - like everybody else I guess

Question from Henry Hutahayan:
Hello, my name Henry Hutahayan. I'm from Indonesia. Kimi you're my favorite driver and I'm happy because you join in Mclaren in this year because Mclaren is the only one my favorite team. I just want your promise to win the race in 2003 (maybe in France or anywhere) and I'll pray for that. Would you keep your promise...???? Thank you.
Answer: I'll do my best!

Question from Marcin Makowski:
Kimi, how did you feel when you drove F1 car for the first time?
Answer: I remember it clearly - it was at Mugello and It was very nice indeed and so different than anything else I have ever driven before...FANTASTIC!!!

Question from Olli:
Kimi, miten meni testit tänään? Kuinka usein sä käyt Suomessa? Onks Sveitsi kiva paikka? Hyvää onnea kaudelle 2003....
Answer: testit meni aika huonosti kun oli ongelmia koko paivan...sveitsi on tosi jees!!!! kiitti

Question from Rand Miller:
In your opinion, how much of your great ability is natural and not learned? What details have you observed about Schumacher that show he can be beaten? I know for certain you can do it!!!!! Go for it!!!
Answer: For sure you can learn always, but the main thing is to bring quite a lot of natural talent with you, otherwise it is difficult. And about Schumacher, I'll better keep that for myself as he might be in the chat.
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Question from TheKanisteri:
Have you tried karting on snow?
Answer: Easy answer no but I would like to try it

Question from claudiii:
How many languages do you speak and which??
Answer: Two - Finnish and English

Question from hakki:
What do you think about your first year with McLaren and do you still have contacts with Mika Häkkinen?
Answer: Yes I am still in touch with Mika, I just met him last week. Well the season was quite difficult as I had a few problems.

Question from claudiii:
What will you do on new year´s eve??
Answer: I'm not going to tell...but it will fun

Question from claudiii:
What was your favourite subject in school??
Answer: I liked sports....particulary when we did icehockey in wintertime

Question from Hinesh:
Hi Kimi! What was your best lap time in testing today?
Answer: 1:22:49 - something like that –

Question from Kylie:
Whose idea was the diamond-like motif on your helmet and does it have any meaning?
Answer: I only had it on my helmet from last year I think…it was done by the Finnish guy Uffe who paints my helmet

Question from Ammika:
Have you still a residence in Finland?
Answer: No
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Question from Raikkie:
Do you watch other motorsports, like DTM ?
Answer: I pretty much watch all motorsports on TV...

Question from claudiii:
Whats your favourite food and drink??
Answer: I really like chicken pasta.......and enjoy a cola or two

Question from powered_by_M-B:
Hi! What car do you drive? Is it still your dream to drive for Ferrari? As they are a BUNCH OF CHEATS!!
Answer: Mercedes-Benz CLK. Ferrari? No, not really.

Question from VICTOR BORG:
I am Victor from Malta and as a supporter of McLaren I want to ask you, may be is too early, how do you think of 2003 new car especially about its reability and speed.
Answer: It´s too early to say anything -at the moment I'm driving the MP4-17 and I will not be using the MP4-18 until the start of the 2003 European season

Question from claudiii:
What is your favorite country??
Answer: Finland

Question from Mari:
What is your favourite movie?
Answer: I really liked "Gone in 60 seconds"

Question from Jani:
Käyttääkö mclaren ens vuonna tallimääräyksiä?
Answer: ei käytä!!!!

Question from Joonas:
How much does it mean to you having many loyal fans?
Answer: It´s nice to have fans and I really like all the support I get!!!
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Question from Sue Hopgood:
Dear Kimi, Congratulations to you on your stunning start to your Formula-One career. As "The Iceman" you always seem so cool and unfazed by everything. Is there ever a time when you are nervous about anything?? Race day, waiting for the lights to go green? Visiting the dentist? Flying? Anything??? Thanks for answering this question (if you do!!!) Sending you every good wish for your F1 career Kimi, you've got a fan for life, take care, love from Sue.
Answer: I always get a little nervous before the race but it´s pretty normal I guess...once you start you forget all about it

Question from Steve Cooper:
Apart from Ferrari, which teams and drivers will be your principal opposition in 2003?
Answer: Hi Steve - Williams no doubt

Question from infosztrada.com_ChiefEditor:
Have you got friend from the other drivers?
Answer: I'm good friends with Mika but really don't have friends as such among the other drivers..

Question from Finn75:
Best overtaking manouver in the history of Formula1?
Answer: Mika Häkkinen overtaking M Schumacher in Spa 2000

Question from Saartje:
Who is your favorite rally-driver?
Answer: Tommi Mäkkinen & Markus Grönholm...both Finnish of course

Question from vera:
Do you know Apulanta?
Answer: yes i know!
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Question from tim drummond:
What do you do to keep fit?
Answer: All kinds of different sports - gym, running, cycling....

Question from Suvi:
Will you and Jenni spend new year with us in secret location at northern finland?
Answer: eipä taida onnata kun on muita suunnitelmia :)

Question from Joonas:
You have a tattoo on your wrist - it pictures a green sun; how old were you when you took it?
Answer: Joonas - lots of questions from you -sorry I can't answer them all......It´s actually black and I had it done during the 2001 summer

Question from Lauren:
Do you have your own motorhome?
Answer: No

Question from Mari:
Do you like Joonas and Clauiii?
Answer: Well, they have asked a lot of questions Mari!

Question from Jayne:
If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you take with you?
Answer: Lots of food, girlfriend and a helicopter

Question from saz:
2 years ago Mika Hakkinan drove through Woking, England.to see his fans. If the option arose would you accept and do the same?
Answer: Yes - I like driving on the streets.

Question from Mari:
I`m ashamed!
Answer: You better are.
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Question from Melvin:
Hi Kimi,what is the best race you have last year?
Answer: Magny Cours

Question from _PRC_Michelin:
Will you visit Russia someday??And what do you think about Russia?
Answer: I have been there already three times for winter carting - ups I have done already carting on snow

Question from Mihajlo_Zahorodni_Kimi_Raikkonen:
Kimi, what does your girlfriend says about your driving in F1?
Answer: She is happy, she can cope with it.

Question from hello_kimi:
Do you like german people??
Answer: Yes they're ok.

Question from Varun:
Kimi, please answere at least one question of mine... do you feel that Mclaren have chances of beating Ferrari in 2003? Best of luck in your endeavour, Varun.
Answer: Yes - I know that we are all working very very very hard to do this..

Question from teppo:
Do you think you will do well in the new qualifying system with only one fast lap?
Answer: I do not think it does a big difference

Question from infosztrada.com_ChiefEditor:
What do you think about the Hunagroring and the Hungarian Grand Prix? Have you got a message for hungarian fans?
Answer: It is quite nice - I like it and obviously there are a lot of Finnish fans. Just a bit difficult for overtaking. Hi to all hungarians in the chat
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Question from infosztrada.com_ChiefEditor:
Have you got good relationship with West McLaren Mercedes’s leaders?
Answer: Sorry - I can't answer all the questions as there are so many.....I have a good relationship with all of them and we get on really well.

Question from f1sl:
Do you pee standing up or sitting down?
Answer: standing!

Question from Karen:
Will you be visiting the Paragon when it´s finished? And what do you think of the new regulations?
Answer: I have already been to Paragon but that was a year ago and I think a lot has happened since then so I look forward to going soon....I think that qualifying will become a lot more interesting for the fans

Question from renich:
Hej Kimi, did you enjoy your visit in Poland??
Answer: yes I did, was quite good.

Question from teppo:
Which circuit do you like best now that Spa is no longer in the calendar?
Answer: Probably Monaco to be honest - great challenge and atmosphere

Question from Mihajlo_Zahorodni_Kimi_Raikkonen:
Kimi, thank you for the answer, it really ment a lot to me, you know I hope mercedes's engine will be much competitive and stronger next year so you could finally show everyone who is Kimi Raikkonen!!!
Answer: cheers

Question from John A:
Is there any track that you have driven on that you would like to see added to the season?
Answer: Donington Park
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Question from tadiohead:
What was your greatest and worst moment in F1 so far?
Answer: Best was first podium in Australia and worst was Magny Cours

Question from vera:
Have you ever been in Disneyland?
Answer: No - but I would like to go one day

Question from infosztrada.com_ChiefEditor:
Kimi! We wish you all the bests for season 2003!
Answer: cheers

Question from Risto:
Are you faster than Michael Shumacher?
Answer: Yes

Question from Risto:
Who is your favourite nascar driver?
Answer: I don't watch it as much as I would like as it´s hard to find it on TV in Europe but I like Jeff Gordon

Question from Varun:
Have you been 2 India?
Answer: No, never.

Question from Maria14Hungary:
Are you bought some christmas gifts till this time?
Answer: No not yet..........I have to go shopping now.....Seriously I have to leave now as its been a long day. I'm going to have something to eat and then bed as its an early start tomorrow here in Jerez. I'm sorry that I have not been able to answer all your questions but there have been so many...thanks for your support. I have tried to keep the answers short to get through as many questions as possible. Thanks for attending the chat and I wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Question from markus sytelä:
Was it really only because of oil, that you slipped out of the track in Magny-Cours?
Answer: joo muuten oli tilanne hallussa koko ajan mutta joskus voi käydä noinkin!! / and in english YES!

Question from Chatmaster:
Thanks a lot folks for sending all the questions, we had really much more than we expected (almost 2000). Just for your information - Kimi will be testing in Jerez until Saturday together with Alex Wurz. Afterwards he will be "released" for his X-mas holiday. See you next time at the West Web Chat ;-)
Answer: Bye Bye

Hier mal das Interview aus dem Seiska Magazin. Ich weiß nicht mehr genau, ob und wo wir das hatten, darum ist es hier nochmal bei den Interviews, dass man es schnell findet.

Seiska's reporter tells: This is what Kimi Räikkönen is like for real!
Welcome to The Iceman´s Cave. Seiska's reporter Panu Hörkkö visited Kimi Räikkönen at his home and he was surprised - positively. Seiska asked Kimi 77 questions in his home in Porkkalanniemi.
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When I drove on Feb 3rd from Helsinki to Kimi Räikkönen's villa in Porkkala I had butterflies in my stomach. I had actually had them ever since the night before and Kimi even visited in my few hours dream to be honest. So the unconsciousness pulled cruel tricks on me. I was however about to meet Kimi for the first time and I had heard that he hates reporters. I wondered which one of us is more troubled with the meeting - the one who was going to be interviewed or the interviewer?

Kimi's expression was something completely different from what I had expected!
When the photographer and I arrived to Porkkala we were greeted by Riku Kuvaja. He informed in his kind way that he would go and walk around the villa with the photographer and I could soon interview Kimi in peace. Soon after that the glass door opened and a beanie-headed Kimi came out to shake hands with me. I immediately saw an expression on Kimi's face that I hadn't seen in one single magazine or TV-interview earlier. Kimi was unbelievably laidback and frankly put charming, if a man can say so about another man. Kimi's boyishness and grinning continued all through our 3-hours meeting and the ice broke easily in the Iceman's cave. Kimi answered my questions in a laidback way and used his witty sense of humour. His laughter was catching and the atmosphere was warm. As an example I could mention my question "How tough steam-man are you?" Kimi replied in his personal way: “I like to go to a sauna but just the normal steams. No Sauna-Timo-business for sure,” Kimi said. It wasn't pretending from his side, I can say based upon my life experience that Kimi is genuinely a laidback person - and modest too on top of that - unlike many "heroes" I have met.
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Are you nervous when going back to F1?
Not at all. I wouldn't have come back if I wouldn't have liked to. I'm sure it's going to be fun this season.

What kind of chances of success do you think Lotus has this season?
It's difficult to say, nobody knows yet. We will see after the first tests where we are going.

Do you have hunger for another WDC?
Yes. You always have that as a goal. I will try a lot, let´s see if that's enough or not.

You have said that Lotus has a homey atmosphere compared to your earlier teams, how do you see the difference?
Each team has always been different. Lotus has however a different kind of management. They are younger and racing-spirited and not any uptight people.

Is Sebastian Vettel your best buddy in F1?
Yes, I know him best and have spent most of time with him than with any other drivers.

Do you have any enemy or someone you can't stand there?
No I haven't but it's difficult to say what other people think.

Have you already met your team mate Romain Grosjean? Is he a good guy?
I have met him and he is a nice normal guy.

Where do you see yourself after ten years?
Difficult to say but hopefully everything is still okay.

What plans do you have for your life after F1?
No plans. I have never had any terribly long plans.

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In how good physical shape are you?
I guess in the same shape as before. I know pretty well in which shape one has to be.

They operated your wrist after the recent motor sledge-race. Has it healed well?
Yeah. It's now completely okay.

They often talk about your money in public. You have a fortune of over 100 million euros. What does money mean to you?
I guess it means the same as it means to other people too. I get a certain amount of money for the job that I do. Some think it's right, some think it's wrong. I myself have however made all the work so it doesn't make me ashamed at all. Money makes some things easier but it really doesn't solve everything in life.

Has the big fortune made you out of touch with reality or do you even think about monetary matters?
*laughing* Definitely not! I'm just the same as I was before. It makes some things easier but it also brings a lot of negative things along.

Do you pay your bills yourself or do you use an internet-bank for example?
No I don't. My mom takes care of quite many of my things.

How much money will you get for your next season in Lotus?
I get something.

How have you invested your money?
Well I have a few apartments and something like that... You have to live somewhere.

They have thought in public that you are part-owner in Lotus, is that true?
No it's not.

Would you like to own your own F1-team someday?
I don't have the passion for it. In the end it's quite cruel business.
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Have you ever donated a lot of money to charity?
I have done that every now and then. At the moment I have this small thing going on with SOS Children's Village.

What is your biggest win in poker?
In poker? It can't have been any big sum at least! I have sometimes played poker with my buddies but never been to a casino.

Then what is your biggest loss in poker?
I doesn't come to my mind right now, but usually I lose rather than win.

Do you play other gambling games?
I guess I have sometimes played some pajazzo etc. if they are seen as gambling games, but nothing more.

They say that you are genuinely a laidback guy and don't look like you would be nervous of any racing situations. What kind of situations make you nervous?
Hard to say. Sometimes normal things can make me nervous. It depends on the place but I am also nervous about races.

What kind of things are you afraid of?
There are no things that I would be afraid of. I don't have fear for high places or things like that.

You have many houses but how many homes do you have?
This place in Porkkala is one home and I have another home in Switzerland. I don't think that I have any more homes than anyone else has.

You travel a lot. How many nights per year are you here in Porkkala?
I can't say at all. I spend more time here in the summer when the weather is good.

Is the place in Kaskisaari more of a partying place than home?
No. I use it when I have for example some job stuff in Helsinki.

How do you decorate your apartment? I doubt you go to IKEA by yourself.
No I don't go to IKEA. This house has been designed by interior-people.
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Is there something in the interior that Jenni likes and that you let her have with long teeth?
Well I don't have terribly much that I would have objected to. I don't pay attention to those kind of details. We have a pretty similar taste but interior is more a thing for women. I'm sure it's more important to them than it is to me for example. We should just let the women take care of these things!

Which room is your favorite room?
I guess I spend most time on the couch in front of the TV.

What do you serve your friends when they come and visit you?
It depends of course on which day it is! *laughing* I don't usually ask terribly much, they find their way to the fridge themself.

Do you go to the supermarket yourself?
I go there quite often. I like to go there but it also depends upon which time you go there. Sometimes there are many people etc. but I like to circle around there.

Do you clean your home yourself?
Yeah I clean sometimes. I do the normal cleaning myself, like wash my own clothes.

Do you have a housekeeper?
No. A cleaning lady comes twice a month to sweep the biggest thrash.

Do you make food yourself?
I make food if I'm home alone.

What is your speciality?
I guess it's chicken pasta. It's the easiest to make. I'm not any passionate cook.
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What is your favorite food?
I like salmon quite much and meatballs are quite good too.

What is your favorite drink?
I drink a lot of milk.

How do you prepare a White Russian the right way?
I don't know since I haven't drank White Russians for years. I'm sure I couldn't make them the right way.

What about cranberry vodka?
I guess you mix vodka with some cranberry.

Is Jenni a good cook?
She is a bit better than me but if we would compete I think it would be quite an even competition.

Does she cook for you often?
Every now and then. We don't have any rule book about those things, that someone would always have to cook. Often we go out for dinner and sometimes pick up something.

Do you have pets?
We have three dogs. My mom keeps two Jack Russell terriers and the German Shepard is in Switzerland.

What names do they have?
Reiska, Peppi and Ajax.

Is it true that you are allergic to Jenni's horses?
I'm allergic to quite many things like cats and horses. I get a stuffed up nose if I spend a lot of time with them. I had more allergies during the army-time.

What TV-programs do you watch?
This and that. Mostly sport. Yesterday I was staring at something that my mom watched.

Your favorite movie?
Finnish movies.
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What Finnish icehockey-league do you support?
I don't personally support anything special. Of course I hope that Espoo's and Helsinki's leagues would do well. I don't follow icehockey with clenched teeth and despite rumors I don't own anything from Tampere's Ilves. May the best league win.

How often do you party?
It depends a lot. Now I haven't had time to party because of having so much to do. Of course if I'm free and want to go, then I go. I don't have any regulations concerning that. These things are related to normal life just like it is with everybody else too.

How is a good party made, a party where you enjoy yourself?
I guess it's the good gang. That's where it usually takes off.

Does it have to be karaoke?
It has been less karaoke although it's usually been fun there. It's not necessary but I rather go to a smaller and more quiet place than to some big disco.

How much and what do you drink during a bar-night?
Hmmm... Hard to say what I drink. There is no main drink. I usually order a lot of cranberry vodka because my buddies drink a lot of that. I often drink vodka and vichy if I drink.

Are you a person who likes to be comfortable?
Well not any more than anyone else is. I'm usually fine with everything.

How hard steam-man in sauna are you?
I like sauna but with normal steam. No sauna-Timo-business for crying out loud!
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The sea is here beside, do you swim a lot?
I swim in the summer. The last time I took a swim in that sea was just before the ice came.

Cold or hot shower?
It depends a little but I like a really cold shower too. It refreshes quite well.

How much time do you spend in the shower?
Well as long as I get clean I guess. I don't have any stopwatch there for crying out loud!

Do you sing in the shower?
No.

Do you wear a bathrobe or do you walk around with a towel over your hips?
With a towel.

Your favorite cologne/scent?
I only use the basic deodorant. You get it easy from the gas station!

Do you blowdry your hair?
No.

What is your favorite music?
I usually listen to Finnish music from the radio.

You mean radio Suomi Pop?
I have been less now that people there have changed. It's not as good in the morning as it used to be.

How many cars do you own?
Five I think. Audi, Fiat, Mercedes and VW. I guess I get some Lotus too soon but any luggage won't fit into them.

How many tattoos do you have and do they have some meaning?
Two. I don't think that they have any special meaning.
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You have told that you would want to have two children. At which stage do you think starting a family would be actual?
Of course you want family. It doesn't mean that there should be one or two children. Hopefully I get a family at some point and that all children would be healthy. I think that's the main thing.

I heard that you are very fond of children. Is it true?
Yes, I like children. I don't have any of my own but I like spending time with them.

What is the secret of your and Jenni's lasting marriage?
I don't think that we have any secret. Of course we have arguments and nagging at times just like in every other relationship but it's normal life.

How often do you see Jenni?
We are about every day together at home unless we are on some trips. It has been like that ever since we met.

What mutual hobbies do you have?
I guess just being home since we both have our own hobbies. I do my own things and Jenni rides every day.

What is a good relationship like according to you?
I'm sure everyone have a different relationship and you can't order what is good for anyone. For as long as both have fun and both feel good to be together is what defines it.

Which one of you are more jealous?
Hard to tell.

Are you jealous of each other?
I'm sure eveyone is. Even though you would say that you aren't jealous I think everyone is.

Are you happy?
Yes. I don't have anything to complain about.

Do you think that Jenni is also happy with you?
Yes. We wouldn't be together if we weren't happy. Like I said there are always arguments every now and then but I think it's the same for everyone else too.

Do you read Seiska?
I read it every day now and then because we get it in Switzerland! Yeah, the bible comes to our home (laughing).

So you call Seiska jokingly a bible?
It is sometimes like that, yes!

Lacking speaking skills, they say!
After we left the villa I could only think that dammit, that guy just hates cameras just like probably 99% of Finnish men also hate! Next F1-season I am going to concentrate on following only Kimi and his grips in Lotus. The guy did after all set the fastest laptime in Jerez testing! I will leave in their own league those who nag about Kimi's poor skills of commenting or posing. Afterall I know myself that we Finns have an exceptionally charming hero in this man. And a man can say this about another man. Good luck to the upcoming season, Kimi!

Ich mag das Interview auch sehr! Was vichy ist weiß ich auch nicht....

Quelle: Formel 1, Die Rennsaison 2003
Autor: Karin Sturm

Schlafen vor dem Start
Nach einem Sieg und einem dritten Platz in den ersten beiden Rennen war er der Mann der Stunde in der Formel 1 – und er ist das ganze Jahr über eine der auffälligsten Erscheinungen unter den Fahrern geblieben. Mit 23 Jahren steht Kimi Räikkönen sportlich bereits ganz oben. Und im Gegensatz zu seinem Image als schweigsamer, manchmal sogar stoffeliger „Eismann“, das sich im Formel-1-Fahrerlager überall verbreitet hat, kann der Finne auch ganz anders sein – locker und gesprächig …
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Was hat sich für Sie persönlich verändert nach diesem ersten Sieg in Malaysia?
Eigentlich nicht so viel – nur, dass jetzt die ewige Frage nach dem ersten Sieg endgültig wegfällt – sowohl von außen als auch für mich selbst: Ich weiß jetzt, dass ich auch in der Formel 1 gewinnen kann, brauche da selbst keine Zweifel mehr zu haben.

Das klingt schon wieder mal sehr abgeklärt, sehr kontrolliert. Ihr eigener Teamchef, Ron Dennis, hat Ihnen den Beinamen „Eismann“ verpasst. Sehen Sie sich wirklich so?
Nein, ich versuche nur an der Rennstrecke meinen Job so gut und konzentriert wie möglich zu machen. Und vielleicht bin ich jemand, der Gefühle nach außen nicht so gern zeigt.

Viele meinten, nach ihrem ersten Sieg in Malaysia seien sie erstaunlich cool geblieben und hätten sich gar nicht richtig gefreut.
Ich habe mich schon gefreut, aber deswegen muss ich ja nicht auf dem Siegerpodest hin und her springen. Jeder ist da eben anders. Und außerdem muss man doch schnell wieder auf den Boden der Tatsachen zurückkommen, finde ich. Wir haben immer viel Arbeit, das nächste Rennen wartet.

Sie gelten ja auch in der Rennvorbereitung als besonders cool…
Ach, eigentlich habe ich gar keine besondere Vorbereitung, gar kein besonderes Ritual. Außer, dass ich vor dem Start ganz gerne ein bisschen schlafe, so eine dreiviertel Stunde lang vielleicht.

Das können Sie? Also keine Nervosität, nicht das, was viele andere Fahrer tun, das Rennen, den Start im Geiste vorher hundertfach durchgehen?
Nein, das mache ich überhaupt nicht. Das bringt ja auch nichts. Denn im Rennen läuft es doch sowieso immer ganz anders. Das lässt sich nie planen. Und schlafen kann ich immer, ja, das habe ich auch schon früher immer so gemacht. Nur ist es in der Formel 1 manchmal deshalb schwieriger, weil es halt auch am Sonntag oft eine Menge PR-Termine gibt.

Gibt es denn etwas, was den „Iceman“ wirklich aufregt?
Gibt es schon. Leute zum Beispiel, die mit wirklich auf die Nerven gehen. In jedem Formel-1-Fahrerlager laufen eine Menge Leute herum, die überall irgendwelchen Blödsinn oder Unwahrheiten verbreiten. Damit können sie einen Fahrer, der für so etwas anfällig ist, schon gewaltig aus dem Konzept bringen. Ich halte mich zwar aus so was weitgehend raus und ich glaube, ich habe auch persönlich keine großen Probleme damit, kann damit umgehen. Aber es nervt trotzdem manchmal.
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Und was macht Ihnen sonst noch Spaß – außer Rennen fahren?
Alle möglichen Sportarten, zum Beispiel Motocross. Das habe ich als Kind schon gern gemacht. Snowboard fahren, Eishockey…

Wollen Sie in den anderen Sportarten, die Sie betreiben, auch immer gewinnen?
Nicht unbedingt, denn wenn man in einer Disziplin unbedingt gewinnen will, in der man genau weiß, dass andere besser sind, dann macht das nicht mehr so viel Spaß. Und ich bin zwar in einigen Sportarten ganz gut, aber eben nicht so gut, dass ich auch da ganz vorn mitmischen könnte.

Finnland ist ein Land, das früher vor allem durch seine guten Rally-Fahrer bekannt war. Und auch Mika Häkkinen hat kürzlich bei einer Rally im Winter sehr viel Spaß gehabt. Hat Sie dieses Metier nie gereizt?
Eigentlich nicht so sehr, das ist mehr mein Bruder, der sich auf diesem Gebiet betätigt. Vielleicht werde ich irgendwann später mal eine Rally fahren, wenn ich mehr Zeit habe. Aber mir hat die Rundstrecke eigentlich von Anfang an mehr Spaß gemacht.

Viele Formel-1-Piloten ziehen nach ihren ersten großen Erfolgen nach Monaco – auch Ihre Landsleute Mika Häkkinen und Keke Rosberg haben es so gehalten. Sie nicht, Sie haben sich in der Schweiz niedergelassen. Warum?
Mir hat es schon in meinem ersten Jahr bei Sauber dort sehr gut gefallen, und jetzt habe ich mir dort auch ein Haus gekauft. Ich bin sozusagen nur auf die andere Seite des Sees gezogen. Ich mag es, von der Natur umgeben zu sein, Platz zu haben, Freiräume. Ich bin so aufgewachsen. Ich könnte zum Beispiel nie in einem Appartement leben – und in Monaco gäbe es ja gar keine andere Möglichkeit.

Was stört Sie an Appartements? Die meisten Ihrer Fahrerkollegen wohnen so.
Vor allem die Vorstellung, Nachbarn zu haben. Die beschweren sich doch nur, wenn man mal eine Party feiert, wenn es mal ein bisschen lauter wird.

Feiern Sie denn Partys – zum Beispiel nach einem Sieg?
Na ja, so oft nun auch wieder nicht. Nach meinem Sieg in Malaysia zum Beispiel, da war gar nicht viel Zeit zum Feiern, wir haben ja gleich wieder getestet. Aber ein paar Freunde von mir sind schon kurz vorbeigekommen.
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Haben Sie denn auch genügend Freunde in der Schweiz?
Ja, schon einige. Aber das sind in der Regel keine Schweizer, sondern in erster Linie Finnen, die in der Schweiz leben und die ich dort kennen gelernt habe. Die haben zum Glück alle überhaupt nichts mit der Formel 1 zu tun.

Und unter den Kollegen der Formel 1? Haben Sie da keine Freunde?
Nein, eigentlich nicht – aber ich denke, das brauche ich auch nicht. Ich rede hier und da mit dem einen oder anderen, aber engere Kontakte gibt es da nicht.

Und wie ist das Verhältnis zu Ihrem Kollegen David Coulthard?
Wir haben keine Probleme miteinander. Wir reden, über das Auto, über die Technik – in dieser Beziehung arbeiten wir eng und gut zusammen. Und das ist doch das Wichtigste. Aber natürlich will jeder den anderen schlagen – das ist doch normal.

Haben Sie Angst, dass es da, sollten Sie beide mitten im Titelkampf bleiben, Probleme gibt – Stallorder usw.?
Nein, überhaupt nicht. So etwas gibt es doch bei Mclaren nicht…

Sie haben die Chance, der jüngste Weltmeister aller Zeiten zu werden. Hätte das für Sie eine besondere Bedeutung?
Natürlich wäre es schön, aber andererseits ist es auch nicht so wichtig. Wichtiger ist für mich, dass ich überhaupt einmal Weltmeister werde. Aber ob das nun schon in diesem Jahr passiert oder vielleicht erst in drei, vier oder fünf Jahren, das ist nicht ganz so entscheidend.

Aber Sie rechnen sich in diesem Jahr schon Titelchancen aus?
Wir stehen immer noch nicht so schlecht da – wenn wir mit dem alten Auto noch weiter punkten, dann ist vielleicht wirklich was drin. Es wäre unsinnig zu behaupten, wir würden nicht versuchen, Weltmeister zu werden. Aber man muss abwarten – es ist wirklich noch ein bisschen früh, um tatsächlich über den Titel zu reden.

Hier ein Interview von vor dem Saisonsstart. Leider kenne ich die Quelle nicht genau, hab es nur in facebook entdeckt. Ich denke mal, dass es das Interview ist, in dem Hotel in der Schweiz.


Kimi is already at full throttle
You look at him, sunk into a sofa in front of the TV that is showing a match of Federer, and you wonder: why is he doing this? Kimi Raikkonen is still slim, always hazy in his look. Blond locks come out under his beanie that he wears even indoors. Why are you doing it, Kimi? You won a world-championship five years ago, last Ferrari driver who got it. You had fun with rallies, with Nascar, with Peugeot 908 (until it was possible). You know very well that with Lotus the chances to back to the top are few, especially at 32. And then? The money? You expect an unkind answer and instead he plays ball: “The money is just a part of the story, of course. But it’s not that I needed it. For sure it’s a work where you risk your own life, so…”
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Now you can say to have raced also in others categories. But is the F1 for you always something special?
Special? I wouldn’t know. It’s what I have done for most of my career. But if you want to race, you try to make it at the top level. And if you can choose, you probably choose F1.

Can you tell us how your negotiations with Lotus were?
Well, it didn’t work with Williams: their offer was not what I wanted. With Lotus we talked a bit about everything and it went all very fast. We easily found a deal that satisfied both.

Now you see at you like a rookie, who has a lot to learn, or as a champion who can teach something?
He smiles. He didn’t lose that way to speak lazy, but he seems he has more will to explain, to tell: “Uh, we’ll see how it goes. To tell the truth I didn’t think much about the results, so far. I just want to do the best I can, then I hope to make some good races too. I really don’t think that if something goes bad we’ll say: fuck you, I give up all!”

You come back after two years, Schumacher after three…
It’s not the case to make comparisons. I don’t know how easy or difficult was for him. I think about me.
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You’ll find again the GPs but also the interviews with the press, the meetings, things that you hate. Do you expect something will change?
I expect as the same as before. They say that everything changes, but I don’t believe it. And I have always said that I’m here because I like racing, the rest is part of F1 but it’s not the main thing. It’s always been like this and ever will be.

When have you decided to give up with rallies?
When I have tried Nascar and I felt I liked to race together with the others. And that I missed it. It’s not that I wanted to stop with rallies, I would do them even now, but I can’t. We’ll see in future.

Do you think that with more time you could reach Loeb’s level?
I think that anyone hasn’t reached him yet… Rally is still one of the most difficult sports; it’s impressive how much fast some people go. But if you put them on a F1 car it’s the same story… I would have needed of two more years and maybe to make tests and to have an official team.

Did you follow the GPs during this time?
Not at all in 2010, I started to watch some races last year, because I knew that I could probably come back. It doesn’t seem to me too much different. There are more overtakes but just because they often use the mobile wing. Are real overtakes these? Sure, there is more show, with the tires and all, there are more different speeds on track. But it has always been in F1, to overtake someone you have to be faster.
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Did you return to win again?
Well, winning is always good and the championship is always your main goal. But if doesn’t happen, it doesn’t change my life.” Here the old Kimi comes back… “It’s not my obsession. I think that people expect it to me, but I’m happy with my driving and if it’s not enough, it’s not enough. That’s all.

They said you left F1 because of the lack of motivation…
Those who write it, don’t know me. Always this bullshit around. What’s motivation got to do with it, when you know that your car is a shit and even doing the best you can, you can’t reach the result? It’s not always your fault. I never had a problem of motivation; I’m not interested in what they say.

Is there nothing that you regret of your last period in Ferrari? Have you ever said to you “If I did so…?”
No, I have no regrets. I drove the best I have ever driven; it was the car that was not enough. If I came back, I wouldn’t change anything. Sure, you make mistakes: but they are used to learn.

Have you ever had the feeling that they wanted to shoot you because they were interested in taking Alonso?
I’m not interested, really. I have no resentment. And then it was three years ago.
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During Valencia test with the 2010 car you tried the Pirelli tyres (demo). Did you find some differences?
I wouldn’t say. After a while the rear tires go down, but I don’t find them so different. Even if they say me that those will be different again this year.

You raced when there were fuel pit stops. Now they aren’t anymore…
Ok, at the beginning you have 150 kg fuel. But it’s not a difference like day and night. We tried with full tank and it’s the same car, just heavier.

You have to accustom yourself again with the buttons on the wheel. Those of R30 were not so “complete”…
Yes, Kers was missing, but I used it in 2009 and it’s just one button. There wasn’t the DRS also, the mobile wing. But in the end I don’t believe it will be so scary. Just more stuff to push after a bit it will be automatic.

You will have Grosjean as teammate: would you prefer a more expert teammate?
No. I met him before Christmas at the factory. We don’t know us so well yet but he seems to me a good guy.

Have you already changed your physical training?
Yes, above all for the neck. In rallies also we have strong lateral accelerations, and the steering is even harder. And then it’s more tiring. All the week you wake up at 5 in the morning, when in F1 you spend just a session of 1 hour half.
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About the Peugeot 908?
Beautiful, fun. It seems big but you can drive it like a F1 car. Funny, it’s so quiet…

How long do you think to stay in F1?
I had no plans before, I haven’t any now for the future. Ten years? No, I really can’t see myself in F1 so long…

Among the drivers now in F1, is there someone who impressed you?
I can’t see big differences. Vettel was strong also two years ago. With the regulations, some teams can change position, but the stronger are always the same.

When you raced with Massa he sometimes was ahead of you. Are you surprised he had so many difficulties last year?
Even in 2009 we had a difficult year. I don’t know if it was because of the tires, for him or something else but sometimes it happens, even if you think to be as fast as before. For me Felipe is the same as he was years ago, there was just something that didn’t suit him well.

In the end, were you bored at home?
I had more time for myself, but rallying also took much time. And then I like staying at home in the free-time. But sometimes I missed travels, I had to go somewhere. It was nice to take a break, but now I think it will be all like before.

Interview with Kimi and Jenni 2003
Kimi and Jenni are made for each other. The couple is sitting side by side during the interview. They have been together already for two and a half years but they still don't get to remove the eyes of the other. They fell in love at the contest Miss Scandinavia where Jenni was crowned to the new winner.
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Jenni: “We can say that was love the first view. Kimi arrived with some friends. When they were on the way to the event, the guys joked that he could be expecting the love of his life.”

Kimi: "We already knew each other. Of course I had already seen pictures of Jenni in magazines and she pictures of me. Both of us had some prejudice against us coming from the media, for that I didn't run immediately to speak with her.”

Kimi is known as a shy boy, but he took the initiative
Jenni: "I will always remember the first sentence of Kimi "You are a wonderful lady". I found it very cute. It was not such a traditional approach."

The prejudices disappeared immediately when elapsing of the night. Both had images totally different of each other. Hotel rooms and food of room service became very familiar to the young couple.

Jenni: "When we lived a long time in hotels, I remember how I dreamed about our own home where we could simply cook the home-made every-day food and to do our own coffee. Home-made food is simply home-made food, the best of all. Now we have this home type in Switzerland. At first I missed Finland because we didn't have a room where we could relax and the spare times to pass".

Jenni and Kimi live in their house in Switzerland since more than one year now. A house of 400 square meters, three floors and a beautiful view at a lake.

Jenni: "I wanted to furnish the place with Finnish style. You can describe our house as the Scandinavian decoration with clear colors. It is very modern but fortunately comfortable".

The couple passes the little time they have with practicing sports, what is their dearest hobby
Jenni: “We have a gymnastic room down in the cellar where we go and we almost sweated the whole day there. It is much easier to go there than into a public academy."

The great swimming pool in the garden also belongs to the modern house. Although Jenni and Kimi’s life has changed significantly, they still have their old friends in Finland.
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Jenni: "Kimi still goes out with those boys that united us. Both of us liked our old friends much more than before. Easily we can share our secrets without doubts."

Kimi: “We have a normal home-life like any other couple in our age. We rest on the sofa, we watch films, we are going to the shopping-centre and we cook. Jenni is the queen of the kitchen here home”.

Jenni: “It is true. Kimi plays his cards very well that he doesn't need to go to the kitchen. I remember once he made mashed potatoes. His generous purpose surprised me. When it was ready and we began to eat them, I was imagining that thing he bounced in that. Kimi had not peeled the potatoes and because of that the food seemed so strange. His explanation was that all the nutrients are in the peel."

The physiotherapist that lives in the neighborhood also noticed that Kimi is much better in driving than in cooking
Jenni: "He bought Kimi two cookbooks of chickens. I am anxious to see that type gourmet dishes Kimi will cook now. Any form of chicken it is our favorite food."

When the young couple is out of holidays in Finland, all their steps are followed
Jenni: “Being a celebrity limits our life here in Finland. Kimi is much more popular here than in Switzerland. Nobody is really interested in what we do there. Tub Turner is our neighbor and she can leave easily without her wig that nobody cares with that”.

Kimi: “Living that lifestyle has it´s good sides and bad sides. You always have to remind of what the people are interested in knowing about you, what are you doing and where you are going. But that should not be the most important thing in your head. Definitively you would go mad if you have to sit at home the whole time."

Jenni and Kimi are the best friends. To live together is very easy and simple and the couple likes spending time together. They share everything and they solve the problems together. They still didn't have great fights.
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Jenni: “We hardly fight. We can discuss sometimes because we are both stubborn people and we don't give up easily. Kimi is always the first who comes to excuse."

Kimi: "The people frequently ask if we have time for each other. I think that we are more together than normal couples. Actually we are together 24 hours a day. You cannot take your girlfriend with to the work in every relationship."

It’s Kimi’s desire that Jenni goes with him to all the GP´s
Kimi: "That means a lot for me. It is great that the person that means the world for you is there twisting and maintaining the crossed fingers. If the race was not very good at least you have somebody to be angry at."

The support of each other belongs to their lives
Jenni: “We live mainly according to the calendar of Kimi. I organize my own things in a way that it doesn't disturb the races or his tests.”

Engagement means a relationship promise for Kimi and Jenni
Kimi: “I don't get to understand why the people play with those things. When I propose the engagement to Jenni, I knew that she was the love of my life. Love at the first view, like they said. If you don't feel well living together, why are you spending time with the other? "

Jenni: “We will get married some day, but it is not our goal now. The marriage needs a lot of organization and we have to prepare everything according to the calendar of Kimi. I heard rumors in Finland about the day of our marriage. How could that be true if we even don't know yet the exact day? "

Both adore children a lot
Kimi: “We want to have children in the future and to start a family. A F1 driver can found a family as well as anyone else. At this moment our life is very busy. To found a family and to get married is not part of our plans at this time. Besides I think both of us are too young”.

How does Kimi spoil Jenni?
Jenni: “Bringing me some sweets” smiles Jenni and she adds that all the small surprises are important, “the way the things are given and their meaning. It doesn't matter if that are sweet or something different”.

Kimi and Jenni will spend Christmas in Finland
Jenni: "Although we have a beautiful house in Switzerland we could not imagine spending Christmas there alone. Christmas is a family traditional celebration and that is how we want to spend it. We will stay at Kimi’s parents and my parents’ homes. We will eat well and we will take advantage of the harmony of Christmas."

When we ask the couple about the most memorable moment lived together the answer comes automatically: “It was the day when we met each other for the first time", the lovers say together.

13 Questions to Kimi from Top Gear
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Q: How old were you when you first became interested in cars / speed / racing?
Kimi Räikkönen: Right from when I was very little, I was interested in anything that had an engine. If I had not become a driver, I would certainly have been a mechanic.

Q: Growing up, which drivers do you remember watching and who were you impressed by?
KR: I never had a hero or an idol. My friends tell me I should have raced in the Seventies when maybe Formula 1 was less formal and I would definitely like to have known James Hunt.

Q: When did you think you might become pretty good yourself and why?
KR: That’s not for me to say. I always wanted to be a racing driver and I gave it everything I had to do that. From then on, it’s my results that speak for me.

Q: Wouldn’t it make sense if all testing was banned? More time for snowmobiling, less expensive for the teams and still the same for everybody!
KR: No, I’d be asked to spend more time on the simulator! But joking aside, I think the current situation is pretty well balanced. We don’t test as much as we used to a few years back and we work more efficiently.

Q: But that’s unlikely, so what do you find most useful about testing, personally?
KR: I just love driving a Formula 1 car, which means I even like testing.

Q: While you’re testing and racing, how aware are you of the part you play in helping develop new technologies, like Shell V-Power, for example?
KR: In a sport as finely honed as Formula 1, where the difference between first and last is measured in tenths of a second, you have to push to the limits in terms of car development, in all areas. As far as the engine is concerned, we are currently in a particularly special stage, where development on certain components is frozen for a few years. This means we can have a fuel or an engine oil that gives us a few horsepower more, a gearbox oil that improves lubrication and makes such an important component more reliable and that is a really vital point.

Q: What was your most satisfying Grand Prix win ever?
KR: Hard to say as all the wins are great. Of course, the first one and the one in Interlagos last year which meant I was world champion will always stay with me.

Q: What were your main reasons for joining Ferrari from McLaren?
KR: Simply a desire to change after so many years with the same team. I felt comfortable at McLaren, just as I feel comfortable at Ferrari. The two teams are different because of their different character, but both share a common desire to get the very best results.
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Q: Is Ferrari just another team for you or does the immense history and list of its previous great drivers ever cross your mind? Does Ferrari feel different in this way?
KR: There is definitely a special atmosphere at Maranello and you can feel the special appeal of a marque that is part of racing history. It’s nice and I’m proud to be part of this history.

Q: Many fans don’t understand how much the driver does during a race. Can you talk us through some of the things you have to do while racing – brake adjustments, driving around problems etc…
KR: That’s true, from the outside it is difficult to understand all the details of what happens on track. First and foremost there is so much work that one does along with the engineers when the car is in the garage: defining the set-up, the day’s work programme, strategies. Then, when you are sitting in the cockpit, there are so many parameters you can control: the brake balance, some engine and electrical parameters, the gearbox. Then there are unexpected situations such as the arrival of the safety car and specific moments that require you to go through complex programmes such as the start. This year, with the introduction of a standard electronic control unit, there are slightly less things to do, but next year, new parameters will come into play, such as the electronic control of the flap on the front wing and the boost switches linked to the energy accumulated through the KERS system.

Q: What makes a great driver, in your view?
KR: In the end what matters are the result, but one has to take into account that in the current Formula 1, the car remains the dominant factor. Without a competitive car, you can’t win, no matter how talented you are.

Q: What’s the best thing about your job?
KR: Driving and racing to win – there’s nothing else.

Q: And the worst?
KR: Speaking in public? Honestly, it’s not a strong point of mine, but I know it’s part of my job and I have to accept it as such.

Von: www.formula1.com

The Lesser Known…Kimi Räikkönen
Kimi Räikkönen´s quiet confidence on track and party-friendly reputation away from the paddock makes for an interesting combination. We caught up with the Finn to find out a little more…
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What´s in your garage at home?
I have all kinds of things with motors like bikes and cars… basically anything that is quick.

Tell us something we don´t know about you?
I´ve got two dogs, Ajax and Pepe.

Your favourite song for karaoke?
I´m not the best singer in the world, but I do like a couple of Finnish singers and bands.

What´s the most unusual request you´ve had from a fan?
There have been so many weird requests that it would be better if we don´t print them.

Funniest thing you´ve read about yourself in the press?
There have been many. Especially things where they say I was somewhere, doing something when in reality I was at the other side of the world.

When you´re at home, what do you listen to when driving?
Mainly today´s hits and Finnish music.

Best part of being a Formula One driver – apart from the driving?
The competition.

Your most prized possession?
My wife and my Ferrari Enzo.

What would you be if you weren´t a racing driver?
I would probably be a professional in hockey or some other sport.

Person you most admire?
My parents.

Last good deed you did?
Charity things in Finland.

Who would you want to play you in a movie?
Somebody who stars in action films.

Do you have any bad habits?
Biting my nails.