Räikkönen: “No big differences with the new tires”

Kimi Räikkönen offered himself the best time of the first day of Pirelli testing on the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. With the future hypersoft tires with pink sidewalls, the driver Ferrari completed a lap of 1'37''768 with almost three tenths ahead of his closest competitor, Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull).

However, the 2007 world champion did not notice any significant changes with the 2018 tires.

“We tested different types of tires, but it’s difficult to know what will work because the cars will be different, “Iceman” explained. I don't think there is a big difference even if they are clearly better performing tires. I didn't have next year in mind. We will start from scratch and see what we can do. We were only able to touch the settings for an hour this morning. Each relay is different, they test certain things without telling us anything. We just do what they say. »

Kimi Räikkönen was also invited to comment the presence of Robert Kubica at the Pirelli tests. The Finn would have no problem seeing the Pole back on the starting grids despite his handicap in his right hand.

“What would I have to fear? I'm sure he wouldn't get back behind the wheel if he didn't feel like he could., replied the Finn. There are a lot of stories about this. I didn't see him but I knew he was driving. I'm happy for him and it would obviously be a good thing for him if he got back behind the wheel. »