Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen hopes to continue his rich vein of form for the remaining four races in 2013, starting with a better result in his second Indian Grand Prix next weekend.
Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen hopes to continue his rich vein of form for the remaining four races in 2013, starting with a better result in his second Indian Grand Prix next weekend.
The seventh place at the Buddh International Circuit last year was one of his 27 consecutive points scoring finishes, the rich run starting from 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix and ending at Belgian Grand Prix this year. In the process he broke the record created by the great Michael Schumacher.
Making his maiden India visit, Raikkonen, like most in the paddock, could only see the hotel and the track. The Iceman though looks to change that next week besides the effort on the track.
Talking to IANS, Kimi said, “It’s a pretty impressive track and the country is a bit different from some of the other places we visit. We didn’t have the best of races last year as we found it difficult to overtake with the set up we had. Hopefully it’s better for us this time.”
On being asked about the 5.14 km track amongst the new ones on the F1 calendar?
“For me, the circuit is nice. It was easier to learn than the Korean track; it’s not as technical but it’s good. It’s always nice to come to a new place like India. I’ve been racing for many years, and you always end up going to the same places; so it’s good when you get a new place and a new circuit,” said the 2007 World Champion who loves Indian food.
He returns to Ferrari next season to form the most explosive partnership alongside Fernando Alonso but unfortunately there will be no race in India. But on a brighter note he said, “I don’t know as I don’t make these things (the calendar) happen. For sure, it would be good to have an Indian Grand Prix for the future.”
On the remaining races, Kimi says, “hopefully as many points as possible and some more podiums. Nobody expected us to be fighting as strongly as we have done over the last two years; so you have to be pretty happy with that.” The current Lotus driver has 15 podiums to his name since his return, including the victories in the UAE and Australia.
with inouts from IANS
