Kimi Raikkonen defends talks of having motivational issues – Formula 1 news
Kimi Raikkonen has spoken in defence of his motivation towards the sport.
There has been much talk about the Finn’s motivation upon his return to the sport after a banishment of nearly two years.
Although nothing was officially confirmed or said about Raikkonen’s reasons behind his decision to leave the sport in 2009 but a general perspective has been that his lack of motivation and interest in the sport has led to his decision to retire.
Several teams tried to lure Raikkonen back into the sport but were not able which gave more air to the notion that the Finn did not have his heart entirely in the sport anymore.
Since Lotus has been able to offer him a contract for a return there has been much speculation over how the former champion is going to perform in his comeback season. Critics have pointed that the Finn will not be able to be competitive and adaptability
is going to be a problem. While his motivation has also come into question but the Finn has reiterated that the remarks have been coming from people who do not know him.
Raikkonen says that motivation is not a problem for him and even when he left in 2009 he was at his peak and was racing one of his best races. The fact is that it will be hard work for him to adapt to the Pirelli tyres and the new cars but how long it takes
him to adapt will be key.
“If I didn't feel I had the motivation, I would stop. My feeling is that I probably drove some of my best races in my last season in Formula One and I was very happy with my performance. I've never had any issues with motivation,” Raikkonen said.
“I think people expect things from me, but as long as I know that I'm giving 100% and I'm happy with my driving then I'm happy. If those aspects are true and it's not enough, then it's not enough,” he added.
Lotus have recently unveiled their 2012 edition car and are in line to feature it at the first pre-season test on February 7, 2012. It will give an idea of where the car stands relative to other cars on the grid.
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