Räikkönen: “I had never driven an F1 car at -25°C! »

You start your first season in rally. Discover different aspects in WRC compared to a F1 ?
“They are totally different disciplines. Here, it is -25°C during the tests. I had never driven an F1 at -25°C! During F1 testing sessions, we complete the same lap all the time. In rallying, even if we stay on the same section of road, the conditions change with each pass. There is more or less snow. »

What do you like about rallying?
" I like everything ! This is a new challenge for me. This is the biggest challenge of my racing career. It's very exciting? »

What do you expect from your first events?
“I’m starting out in rallying. We will see where we stand against drivers who have several years of experience in the discipline. Initially, the objective will be to finish. You will have to learn the car before you can attack a little more. »

On which surface do you think you are most comfortable?
“I rode on all surfaces last season. It is perhaps on snow that I have driven the most in tests and races. So I have more experience in this area. But I imagine that I will have good marks on asphalt. This is the surface that is most familiar to me. »

For a rally beginner, the rating system requires a lot of work. Is this something you have already made progress on?
“We are going to use the same system as last year. It worked very well. With experience helping, we will continue to improve it and we will see how it works during the first tests. »

What are your ambitions at the start of the Arctic Rally?
“It was my first rally last season. This participation is good training. I will be able to do some miles with the car before the first round of the World Championship. It?s also nice to ride in Finland. »

The 1 F2007 World Champion will be at the start of the Arctic Rally which will take place on Friday and Saturday in Rovaniemi. In addition to Räikkönen, Dani Sordo (Citroën C4 WRC), Mika Salo (Ford Fiesta R2), Rami Räikkönen (Abarth Grande Punto Super 2000) are entered.