Räikkönen scores a scratch

Kimi Räikkönen (Citroën C4 WRC) continues his apprenticeship in the WRC and, if some detractors find that the results are slow in arriving, the Finn must face more experienced opponents on all terrains. The Citroën Junior Team driver is aware of the room for improvement that remains to be made but, on asphalt, he finds himself more competitive than during gravel rallies.

However, an error this Sunday caused him to lose a possible sixth place in the final, ceded to Matthew Wilson (Ford Focus WRC). “ I missed two intersections and we lost a lot of time “, explained “Iceman”. After this setback, the Finn continued to attack to try to catch Matthew Wilson and take sixth place, without success. But, at the very end of rally, the driver of the Citroën C4 WRC in the colors of Red Bull was able to achieve his first best time in the WRC, in the Circus Maximus special (SS19), ahead of his direct competitor.

After this scratch, Kimi Räikkönen, however, gives a mixed assessment of this race weekend. “ I am disappointed to have made this small mistake this morning which cost us a place in the general classification. Saturday and Sunday were much more interesting. We continue to gain experience, it’s important. »

« This Rally shows us that experience is important. But that?s the objective for us this year: we want to build on the essential knowledge to be a rally driver », continues Kimi, who confirms that he wants to progress in the long term.

Benoit Nogier, team manager of the Citroën Junior Team, is satisfied with his driver's performance. “ At his level, Kimi did almost as well. His mistake this morning cost him a place but his best time was really pleasing and boosted the morale of the whole team. »