Räikkönen: “I really wanted to come back”

Kimi, today was the first time you got back into the cockpit of a Formula 1 since 2009. How did you feel?

The last time I came to enstone, I sat briefly in a seat, but this time it was the first time since 2009 that I really sat in an F1 car with a helmet on my head. The feeling was a little strange at first because the cockpit seemed a little small, but that?s normal. It?s just like before, when I made seat castings. It seems strange when you first climb into the car, but you adapt very quickly. It will be good to get back into racing.

How important is tub molding?

This is one of the most important points. We spend so much time sitting in the car that position really is crucial. It must be 100% successful. I prefer to spend a lot of time now to define it perfectly because a lot of races await me and I will be sitting there for a long time. It is therefore imperative that the operation be successful the first time.

Have you been surprised by the huge interest in your return lately?

There was quite a bit of noise in the press and a lot of rumors about my return. For me, returning to Formula 1 is a good thing and I hope it will also be good for the team and the fans. I like this time of year at the factory. A real buzz surrounds the new car, every department is working hard to get everything ready on time. You can really feel people?s involvement and it?s very nice to be part of it.

Your feedback generated a lot of comments. Some very positive, others more negative?

It has no effect on me. Sometimes you hear nonsense, other times pleasant things. The important thing is that I really wanted to come back and that this team offered me a great opportunity. So I'm happy. I've never really cared about what people say or think. I live my life and as long as I'm happy, that's the main thing.