Formula One news

Räikkönen unable to make most of KERS

Kimi Räikkönen made the most of his Ferrari to finish fourth in the Japanese Grand Prix and collect valuable points for his team. However, the Finnish Champion of 2007 blamed Suzuka's lack of long straights followed by overtaking sections for not being able to muscle past Lewis Hamilton.

The 'Iceman' believes he achieved the maximum out of the Ferrari package on Sunday and is showing his professionalism as he continues to push to the end for a team he will be leaving this winter.

Räikkönen chats with Norbert Haug, Vice President for Mercedes-Benz Motorsport

"This fourth place is useful, in terms of keeping the team in third place in the Constructors' Championship, but it will be hard to hang onto it over the final two races," he said, with Ferrari now only two points ahead of former team McLaren. "I will definitely do everything I can."

Räikkönen then spoke of his trouble in using KERS effectively on the opening lap and off the starting grid. "I was unable to make up places at the start," he explained. "The first corner is not that far from the line so I was unable to use the KERS."

The outgoing Ferrari driver then recapped his race, considering the effects of tyres and traffic in particular: "In the first stint, when I was on hard tyres, the situation was difficult but on the softs things improved considerably. I managed to close on Heidfeld and pass him at the pit-stop, even though afterwards I found myself in traffic behind Button. Then there was not much to fight for to the end of the race."

more news

• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas

Homepage