17 is the unlucky number in Italy; it is also the amount of race wins Raikkonen's been stuck on since April.
Recently, people have been questioning Kimi's motivation, saying that he's lacking it. It's easy to understand why, his last race win was nearly four months ago.
The German Grand Prix, both at Hockenheim and the Nurburgring, has never been kind to Kimi. He has more DNF's to his name than race finishes, as well as crashing at Hockenheim at the same corner—twice.
It's not been a great weekend for the Finn. He's had to contend with Renault's, Toyota's, BMW's and even his own car. His F2008 has been under-steering on the way into the corners, then over-steering on the way out.
He just has not been able to find the right set-up, and this weekend, it was not superior to the mid-pack cars.
His luck didn't really improve come race day either. He lost a place on the opening lap to Robert Kubica, and then didn't seem to be catching up to Trulli when he was wedged between Alonso and the Toyota. And then he went into the pits, queuing up behind Felipe Massa, and upon coming out he was down to 12th.
But when he came out in 12th, something happened. Kimi seemed filled with that vitality from his old McLaren days, to get the points he needed for his Championship campaign.
After pulling some great overtaking moves on Nico Rosberg, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, Bright spark Vettel, Jarno Trulli and Rising Star Robert Kubica, Kimi was now back in the points.
Yes, he could have done better than sixth, but I hope today pushed the Kimi reset button, that we'll see more of that deserving young racer from Espoo, and he can get that elusive 18th win.
comments (13) write a comment »
write a new comment
2 months ago
Michael Schumacher had 19 wins when he arrived in Ferrari.
Nigel Mansell had 13 wins since 1989; 16 when he left Ferrari.
Niki Lauda won 15 times in Ferrari.
They all escaped that number 17.
Well today's race, i don't know, i didn't expected Räikkönen to win. And Hungaroring, we'll see, i expect hot weather there.
from 2 months ago
Yeah I didn't really expect him to win either, but it really wasn't his weekend. Thanks for the comments.
2 months ago
quick note mate, kimi came out in 9th place after the safety car madness.
never knew that 17 was the unlucky number for italy, interesting to speculate. could it be a curse?
from 2 months ago
Thanks, I think I counted the backmarkers. That needs changing.
2 months ago
Welcome to Bleacher ... Enjoy your stay ... As for your article ... Well done, was a good write ... In my opinion I think Kimi's failings are HILARIOUS ... He hasnt been the same guy since he left McLaren and for that he doesnt appeal to me ... Infact he bores me !
from 2 months ago
Most of the drivers aren't exactly that interesting though. They're all spokespeople for their sponsors. I like Ferrari better than McLaren, I'm not sure why, maybe its the colour lol.
I can't call his personal life boring though! He drinks more vodka than his car drinks petrol.
from 2 months ago
Yeha I have heard he likes the vodka but he is from Finland, its almost like religion aint it ? ...
from 2 months ago
that was funny Benny, well it's not just vodka, you know. You have to mix vodka with some drinks to get best taste. But Kimi is not that fond in vodka, he drinks more whiskey and only Jenni knows what. Me drinks vodka mixed with Red Bull....what combination.
from 2 months ago
Vodka Red hey ... Great drink ... Keeps you going all night long ! Ha ha ha ... Vodka and Coke for me ... Triple measure please.
2 months ago
Nice write-up. I agree with your last 3 paragraphs. The last year, I saw the exact spark/ignition from Kimi at Indianapolis and he continued from tehreon. I hope teh German GP has reignited or sperked him for teh remainder of the season. His overtaking was great to watch.
2 months ago
Great analysis Jane, never knew that 17 is proving to be a nemesis for the Raik. He and Heikki have the best straight line speed.
2 months ago
I'm thinking about the commercial madness which seem to ruin every race. Why not make the race in to parts with a long pausfor commercil advertising. Maybe change the order like in slalom. The leader start as number 10 or something like that
from 2 months ago
Hvorfor? Dette er ikke interesange. Vi kan så det i WTCC.
write a new comment