Kimi Raikkonen says he is as motivated as ever to succeed in 2012 – Formula 1 news
Kimi Raikkonen believes his motivation levels are high as 2012 approaches.
Raikkonen has praised the Lotus team he is working with and said that he wants to succeed from the word go. Raikkonen left Formula 1 in 2009 and took up rally racing. Many considered the move a motivational downfall in the eccentric driver and suggested
that he did not have the motivation to compete in the sport anymore and that is why he left.
Although Raikkonen has never confirmed why he left the sport he has maintained since his return that he has not had any motivational issues. He is raring to make a mark after his comeback and will put all his effort to succeed for his team.
“People always talk about motivation, but the people who write it probably don't even know me,” Raikkonen told F1 Racing. “It's not a lack of motivation if your car is s**t and even if you drive your best and still can't get a good result. I drove one of
my best years in my last year for Ferrari.”
Lotus have been banking on Raikkonen for a successful campaign in 2012 and the Finn is known for his eccentricities though the management have said that they have not had any trouble with Raikkonen. The management went so far to say that they have kept the
communication on a need to know basis to make sure they give him the required space he needs.
Raikkonen also said that the team is looking to do as well as they possibly can.
“The last year I was with Ferrari we weren't always at the front. But Louts started well last year. We hope the new car will be strong. But let's say we're eighth or something,” he said.
Lotus had some technical difficulties with the chassis of their new car and had to drop testing for the remainder of the second pre-season test. They plan to participate in the third pre-season which is going to take place at the same venue. The season starts
on March 18, 2012 with the Australian Grand Prix as the first race of the season.
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