Motorsports Mondial

 

Kimi Raikkonen’s Formula One return is in full swing in Valencia on Monday , returning with Lotus, tested a 2010 grand prix car for the first time since 2009.

The 2007 world champion with Ferrari and winner of 18 races with the Italian team and McLaren, is returning to Formula One this season after two years in the world rally championship.

Lotus, formerly Renault, said the 32-year-old drove as many laps as possible in the two days at the Spanish circuit to get acquainted with his new team and reacclimatize him with F1 machinery.

Kimi: “It was nice to get back in the car; it was quite a few years since I have driven last time, so of course it takes a little while to get used to it. But the main driving, braking, turning and normal things doesn’t take many laps. Of course to start learning about the car and the team and tyres and everything, that will take time,”

Alan Permane :”The day went pretty much as we planned, which is great. Kimi was on the pace we expected straight away. He completed around 300km, going through three sets of tyres. It leaves us with four sets for tomorrow, meaning we can run a bit longer. We worked on getting him comfortable in the car, giving him a feel for the setup changes, and helping him get to know his engineers. It’s always great to work with a top driver who is not just quick, but professional, and Kimi has all of those characteristics. His feedback is excellent, his requests are concise and to the point. We’re looking forward to a good season with him.”