Today was this season's debut of Kimi Raikkonen: not on the track because the Finnish driver will have his first appearance in the F60 next Monday on the Portimao circuit, but in front of the media at the traditional Ferrari 'Wrooom' PR event.

"This is my third season with Ferrari and I'm motivated and I want to win, as usual," Raikkonen said. "Last year didn't go as I wanted, especially during the second half of the season. But we learned a lot."

"I feel fine at Ferrari, otherwise I wouldn't be here today," Raikkonen continued. "I'm convinced that it was the right choice when I came to join the team. The future? I've got a contract until the end of the 2010 season. At a certain point during the next season we'll think about what to do. But I think that this will be the last Formula One team I'm racing with."

The journalists had lots of questions for Raikkonen and some referred to President Montezemolo's remark about Raikkonen's 'twin-brother', who raced during the second half of the last season and Stefano Domenicali's comment that he is able to 'stay isolated on his own planet'.


"The President made a joke, but I can confirm that it's always me," Raikkonen said. "I've got a brother, but he's not racing in F1! As far as my planet is concerned I have to say that I like staying there and I can't complain about anything at all. But joking aside, Stefano explained that I like living my own life and I try not to be influenced by things surrounding me."

Next week Raikkonen will test at the Portimao circuit and then on the icy roads of Finland. After the test sessions with the team he will take part in the Arctic Rally behind the wheel of a Grande Punto S2000: "I'm happy that the teams gives me this opportunity to take part in my first rally: it will be a great experience and it will allow me to prepare myself while having fun."

E.A. © CAPSIS International

 

I still see Raikkonen as a major threat out there on the track. The big question this season will be how his performance compares to Alonso's.

 

+1 underestimate Kimi at your own risk

 

I still think Massa and Hamilton are better though.