McLaren launch: Raikkonen all set
Kimi Raikkonen has said that he is ready to live up to the expectations of a front-running Formula 1 team like McLaren, despite his inexperience
The 22-year-old Finn, who has replaced countryman and former world champion Mika Hakkinen for 2002, admitted that he had a lot to learn in his first year with Sauber last season, but is full of confidence with his new team.
"The learning curve has been steep," he said at the unveiling of the new McLaren-Mercedes MP4-17 in Barcelona this morning (Saturday). "I didn't know much about F1 this time last year, but I'm ready for the season. It should be good. I want to get some good results this year and I can't wait to get in a good car."
Raikkonen has been testing last year's McLaren at Barcelona and Valencia over the past two weeks and has proved more than capable of lapping on the ultimate pace. On Thursday this week he set a new lap record at Valencia.
"It has been an intensive few weeks as the team and myself build and cement relationships and understanding, and I am now beginning to feel like an integral part of West McLaren Mercedes," he said. "We have covered a lot of ground in testing already and I have been very impressed with the interim car. I am now extremely keen to drive the MP4-17 and to continue my learning curve in the build up to the 2002 season."
Click here, for DC ignores opinion.
Click here, for Big step for Merc.
Click here, for Fresh start for 2002.
Share Or Save This Story
What F1 history tells us about three-way title deciders
On this day: Raikkonen’s Suzuka masterclass
The contrasting fortunes of F1's big-name moves to Ferrari
FIA to hear McLaren and Red Bull's Monaco GP appeal next week
Why Garden Gate Green and Yamura White are all part of McLaren’s colourful history
Could McLaren follow Red Bull’s path with its own F1 engine – and should it?
The full circle moment given to Lawson at the 2026 Dutch GP
Top 10 unexpected F1 polesitters
Sainz and Albon are giving Vowles a second chance at Williams
Heard the one about the Northern Irishman rallying a Russian Lada?
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments