Kimi Raikkonen
This interview was taken as part of a group interview at the launch of the MP4-17 in Barcelona February 2002
Q> How have found the difference between Sauber and McLaren?
KR> There are many people at McLaren are different and the how they work is different, but I think all the teams are. I think its something I’ve just to got to get used to.
Q> Expectations for the season?
KR> Its quite hard to say, its too early for that, but of course hope I’ll win at least one race and score as many points as possible.
Q> Did you speak to Mika (Hakkinen) in the winter?
KR> Yes, I have sometimes
Q> About the races
KR> No about normal things
Q> Has life changed?
KR> No not really, my life has changed a little because I’ve got more publicity
Q> How did you find the old car?
KR> Yes it feels great, it felt very good. But now I’ve done seven tests already it feels perfect.
Q> And the difference between the Michelins and Bridgestone’s
KR> It’s quite hard to tell because it’s a different car.
CS> Have the tests so far this year been to develop the car or learn the team
KR> I think its more to get used to the team; how they work, get used to the tyres and car, those things
CS> is there an element of coaching showing you how the team works?
KR> No it’s not really coaching, I think it’s just the team getting to know me and I to get to know them, to build a good relationship.
Q> Is it hard being a new driver?
KR> It’s not too difficult I was in a similar position last year.
Q> How are you getting along with DC?
KR> Yes its been very good, I don’t know him very well, but when the season starts and we’ve got the new we’ll start to work a bit more closely together, I thinks its going to be an interesting relationship.
Q> What did you do with the team before driving the car?
KR> I went to the factory a couple of times, for a seat fitting and just to get a little more ready for the season, fitness training, a Holiday and then I has some PR work also.
Q> Fitness training in the factory
KR> No out of it, although I did some in the factory
Q> Have you been working with the PR dept?
KR> No I did some PR at the end of last year that’s all.
Q> Schedule for F1 champion in?
KR> No of course I want to be world Champion one day, but its too early to say if its going to happen or not, I just need to wait and see.
Q> How have you found the seating position?
KR> It’s different compared to the Sauber there’s more space in the car, compared to last year’s car this years is pretty similar.
Q> Being shorter than DC what changes are made in the cockpit
KR> It’s mainly the pedals, which give me more space
CS> First impressions of the MP4/17
KR> Yes it looks great
CS> How interested are you in the design of the car
KR> Of course I like to know more and more about the design of the car, but I came quite late to the team and they were making the car already,
CS>In testing were you using Davids or Mikas set up?
KR> I tried to find my own set up, because every driver has their own set up.
CS> do you have a similar driving style to DC
KR> I like to have a good front end and a little bit more oversteer.
Q> Favourite circuits
KR> Monaco and Spa
Q> Best performance in 2001
KR> Austria, Montreal and Silverstone
Q> Hobbies
KR> Cross Training
Q> How does the Ferrari 2000 (Sauber 2001) engine compare to the 2001 Mercedes engine
KR> The engine feels different, but is more powerful.