Formula One news

Raikkonen enjoys car without traction control

Kimi Raikonen has returned at Ferrari for the first time since he claimed the Formula 1 world championship in Brazil. The world champion took time to relax and enjoy some time with family and friends in Finland but is now back at work in the South of Spain for the Italian team.

Like every other F1 driver in Jerez Raikkonen completed his day of testing without the use of traction control. Tuesday was his first day of testing with no traction control on the car. Traction control is being banned by the FIA starting next season to see the drivers work harder themselves in the car. According to Raikkonen though fans shouldn't expect to many changes though. "I think it's the same for everybody," he told GPUpdate.net. "It takes a while to get used to it and after that the car and the driver will make the difference. It's a bit more tricky in some areas, but it's also good fun."

The Formula 1 teams all received three sets of slicks for this week's test in Jerez. The FIA might bring back slick tyres in 2009 and thus the teams got the opportunity to gather some data. Raikkonen though believes it is a waste of time. He explains: "Maybe we'll drive them tomorrow. It's not an issue for next year, so I don't see any reason to drive them."

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• 02 Oct.
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