Räikkönen will be cautious in Germany

Kimi Räikkönen was at ease on the Bulgarian asphalt. Frequently in the first five times of special stages, the Finn was in fourth position when he went off the road on SS4. The World Champion of F1 finished his race on the roof, and could not finish better than eleventh following his mistake. If regularity is still lacking, there is no doubt that the margin for progress that remains promises many surprises.

The Citroën Junior Team driver still lacks experience. For his first year in WRC, Rally of Germany will be his ninth event contested at the wheel of a World Rally Car and only his second on an asphalt surface. The former World Champion also knows that the German event will not be very similar to that of Bulgaria. “ On the circuit, the surface does not vary too much from one track to another, even if we can note some small changes », Specifies the Citroën driver. “ In rallying, the difference is enormous between each event. A rally evolves so much: each kilometer and each turn is different from the others. This is why experience is so important in this sport. I just have to build my knowledge. »

If the Finn will not take all the risks to avoid finding himself in the same situation as in Bulgaria, he specifies that his main objective is to gain experience on asphalt, and to get to know this rally. “ I will do my best in Germany and I really need to make sure I get to the finish so I can learn everything there is to know about this event. Everyone tells me that the stages are quite complicated, so I will have to be careful, especially if it rains. » It should be noted that Iceman already seems to have a future rally in Germany in mind, which is interesting for those who are wondering about his future in the discipline.

The Citroën Junior Team driver will nevertheless be able to count on the experience of his co-driver Kaj Lindstrom, who has already started twice in this event alongside Tommi Makinen. “ Germany will not be an easy test, but Bulgaria was very satisfying for us and we continued our progress in Finland », Satisfied the co-pilot. “ I am very happy with how far Kimi has come in such a short time. No one has driven at this level in rallying with so little experience, it?s really great. For me, the most important thing in Germany is to continue this learning, by working more on the notes, and trying to get a good result. Like Kimi said, it's just about gaining experience. »

However, if Räikkönen could show the same pace as in Bulgaria while managing to stay on the road, he could score his best result of the season (to date: 5th in Turkey), Germany having always been the test Citroëns.