On the topic of tires...

Q: We hear words like ‘lottery’ in relation to the tyres, but never ‘full throttle’. Are we on the way to the casino or still on the track?

KR: No, that’s bull.
There is nothing wrong with the tyres. You just have to get them working and try to make them last the whole race. (laughs) That is sometimes a bit tricky, but no rocket science.

Q: In your analysis, what will determine race wins - and hence the championship?

KR: A good car and a bad car...
Okay, that is a bit too simple: you have to have a good package. But if you have a good car as a basis it gives you a much bigger chance, as the likelihood that the tyres will fall your way is much bigger. It is never just the tyres - that is a fairytale. It is not like if the tyres work at Marussia then they will start winning races - that will not happen, no matter how you look at it.

On the topic of his James Hunt helmet in Monaco...

Q: Ferrari and Lotus both have 86 points. Who will gain the upper hand?

KR: I have no idea. I cannot see into the future. (laughs) All I know is that we have to work hard, score good points, then we should be competitive. And for that you don’t need to look into a crystal ball, you just have to work.

Q: In Monaco you raced with the name James Hunt on your helmet. What did you see in him? Where do you see a connection between you? Soul mates?

KR: To cut a long story short, I like the times when he raced as I believe they had more fun than we have now. Would I have loved to race in those days? I not only cannot see into the future, I also cannot connect to the past. It is just that I believe the fun factor was higher, that’s all.

Love the iceman interviews