Kimi Raikkonen profile

KIMI RÄIKKÖNEN - F1 ROOKIE

By Susie P Sheridan (2001-03-02)

Despite the negative comments Kimi Räikkönen surprised his critics by finishing high up on the ladder overall after Friday's Free Practice at Melbourne. He managed to finish higher than 1997 World Champion, Jacques Villeneuve in his BAR-Honda.

Let's take a closer look at Räikkönen.

<pre> Kimi Räikkönen was born on 17 October 1979 in, Espoo, Finland. Team: Red Bull Sauber Petronas Team Owner: Peter Sauber Engine: Ferrari Car #: 17 Tyres: Bridgestone

Racing Career:

1991-1999: Karting - National and international races

1999: Formula Renault - First race with Haywood Racing. Finished 3rd. Unfortunately for him, he retired from the series after four races, due to technical problems

Formula Ford Zetec Euro Cup - finished 5th overall

Formula Ford Festival - retired in the final

Winner of the Formula Renault Winter Series driving for Manor Motorsport for four races winning all four races.

2000 Winner of the Formula Renault 2000 British Championship with Manor Motorsport. He drove ten races, won seven, got ten podiums, seven pole positions and set, six fastest laps

Formula Renault Euro 2000 Series with Manor Motorsport. Drove three races:

Mugello: secured pole position, but unfortunately retired when leading due to technical problems

Donnington: secured pole position and went on to win the race also setting the fastest lap,

Spa: Got 2nd position on the grid and won also setting the fastest lap.

Formula One tests with Team RED BULL SAUBER PETRONAS

        September 2000, Mugello, 1034 test kilometers
        
        December 2000, Jerez, 549 test kilometers

2001 Driver Red Bull Sauber Petronas

</pre> Räikkönen's response following some comments regarding him, joining the F1 circus with such little F1 experience:

"I am learning a lot every time I drive the car, especially with Nick Heidfeld, who has already has the experience of a season in Formula One. I am aware that everyone is watching me and it's up to me to prove I belong in F1. I will let my results do the talking."

He admits that he has a steep learning curve and that his strength and fitness will be improved in order to withstand the g-force and speeds of the tracks, hopefully by the time Melbourne comes around. With a fitness regime that includes; jogging, snow boarding and gym activities, Kimi has a lot of catching up to do, if Kimi want's his tiny frame and stamina to be on a level with that of the other F1 drivers. He has a lot of work to do!