05/01/2012
NEWS STORY
Visiting Enstone for a seat fitting, Kimi Raikkonen took time out to answer some questions, admitting that there's a real buzz surrounding his return and the new car.
"The last time I was at Enstone I quickly jumped into a seat, but this is indeed the first time I have properly sat in an F1 car with a helmet on since the last race of 2009," he said when reminded that this is the first time he's sat in an F1 cockpit in over two years. "It felt a bit odd at first because the cockpit seems a bit small, but that's normal. It's just like in the past when I have done seat fittings - it feels a bit strange when you first step into the car but you quickly adjust. It will be nice to get back to racing.
Asked how important seat fitting is, he replied: "It is one of the most important jobs. You spend so much time sitting in the car so the position is really crucial, it needs to be 100% right. I'd rather spend a lot of time getting it right at this time of the year because there are many races in the season and you sit behind the wheel a lot. Getting it right the first time is imperative."
Referring to the media interest generated by his return, the Finn said: "There has been quite a bit of noise in the press about my comeback and there have been a lot of rumours. For me, coming back to Formula 1 is a good thing and I hope it will be for the team and the fans also! I love this time of the year at the factory. There's a real buzz surrounding the new car, every single department is working flat out in order to have everything ready on time. You can really feel people's dedication and it's nice to be a part of it."
However, there has been some negativity regarding his return to the sport. "It has no effect on me," he said, "sometimes you hear some nonsense and sometimes you hear nice things. The main thing is that coming back is what I wanted and I have a good opportunity with the team so I'm happy. I have never really looked at what people say or think. I do my own thing and as long as I'm happy with it then that's the main thing for me."