Räikkönen back in an F1 car

Räikkönen will return in 2012 with the Lotus Renault team and to prepare for this return, the Finn had to have a seat molded at the Enstone factory, the headquarters of the LRGP team. The 2007 world champion was delighted to be able to get back in a Formula 1 car for the first time in two years.

The last time I came to Enstone, I quickly settled into a seat, but it’s actually the first time I’ve really settled into an F1 single-seater with my helmet since the last race of 2009, Räikkönen shared in an interview published on the LRGP team’s website.

«It seemed a bit strange to me at first because the cockpit looked a bit small, but it’s normal. It’s like in the past when I used to do bucket seat moldings – it always feels a bit odd when you first get into the car, but you quickly adapt.»

“It will be interesting to get back to competition,” the Finn rejoiced.

Räikkönen explained that molding a seat tailored to his body was important because it allows him to be perfectly comfortable at the wheel of the single-seater, which is important given the amount of time he will spend on board throughout the 2012 season.

The molding of a seat is one of the most important tasks. You spend so much time sitting in the car that the position is really crucial, it must be perfect. I prefer to spend a lot of time adjusting this at this time of year because there are many races throughout the year and you spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Getting things right the first time is imperative.

The native of Espoo also commented on all the buzz surrounding his return to F1 after a two-year absence. He admitted that he didn’t pay much attention to what could be written or said in the various media. The most important thing for him was to be able to return to F1.

There has been a lot of noise in the press about my return and there have been many rumors. For me, returning to Formula 1 is a good thing and I hope it will be the same for the team and the fans!

“The comments in the press had no effect on me – sometimes you hear nonsense and sometimes you hear good things. The main thing is that coming back was what I wanted and I had a great opportunity with the team so I’m happy. I’ve never really paid attention to what people say or think. I do my own thing and as long as I’m happy with it, that’s the main thing for me.”

Räikkönen also stated that he was delighted to work with the different members of the Lotus Renault team because he enjoys this time of the winter period, where everyone in the team works hard to ensure everything is ready for the first pre-season tests, which will take place in Jerez from February 7 to 10.

“I love this time of year that we spend at the factory. There is a real buzz around the new single-seater, each department works tirelessly to ensure everything will be ready on time. You can really feel the people’s involvement, and it’s nice to be a part of it,” added the Lotus driver.