Lame, Kimi Räikkönen will be able to compete in the Belgian Grand Prix

He was the surprise guest this Thursday: Marcus Ericsson, third driver at Alfa Romeo, was present in the Spa-Francorchamps paddock. The reason is that there were doubts about Kimi Räikkönen’s health, as he hurt his left leg during the summer break. When asked about it, the Finn responded with a statement for which he is known: “I hurt a muscle. That’s all. We’ll see.” Not being an unwavering supporter of physical preparation, he explained that he injured himself while doing sport: “Sport, injury, getting old.”

That’s why Alfa Romeo has enlisted Marcus Ericsson for the weekend, as the Finnish veteran explains: « Obviously, you need to have a backup plan. It would be foolish not to have our third driver in case I’m not able to drive in the worst case scenario. There’s a reason the team has a third driver if something happens. It’s normal. It’s tough for him because he also had a race, but that’s how it is. »

The first practice session was an opportunity to reassure the entire team. Contacted by us during the lunch break in the Spa-Francorchamps paddock, a team spokesperson confirmed that the pain was bearable and that Kimi Räikkönen would be able to be present for the rest of the weekend: « He is limping a bit but nothing serious. He will be able to drive. »

The afternoon session confirmed the good form of driver No. 7 as he was in a respectable 7th place at the end of the second free practice, just three tenths behind Max Verstappen’s Red Bull. His teammate, Antonio Giovinazzi, was far back in 16th place.

Marcus Ericsson therefore missed the opportunity to participate in the IndyCar race he was supposed to compete in at Portland, ultimately ending up as a bystander. He was thus left to wander around the Belgian paddock to pass the time.

From our special correspondent at Spa-Francorchamps