Raikkonen raves about F2008 - Planet F1 Thursday 7th February 2008 Kimi Raikkonen is in high-spirits after the completion of testing in Bahrain, and based on his mercurial form, who can blame him? Raikkonen raved about the new Ferrari package after breaking the lap record at the Sakhir circuit on Wednesday. The World Champion is delighted with the F2008's development and believes that it will only get better. "We are very consistent," Raikkonen told Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport. "To drive a car like this F2008 is fantastic. It's already really quick," he enthused. "But the most interesting aspect is that I noticed this quickness in both race trim and in the more extreme qualifying trim. And in both situations it's always very easy on the tyres, it doesn't destroy them. "This is because it transmits the power in a balanced way: its traction is perfect. In other words, the package works in harmony. I'm certain that the next three days of testing can only confirm this." He added: "I went quicker and quicker and I know I can easily improve a bit more, because the car is excellent, and because the team have scheduled everything precisely, the progress too. The 29-year-old explained that the Scuderia's hard work is paying off. "This is most of all why I'm satisfied: we know exactly where we are and we aren't improving just by chance." However, when asked about where Ferrari are in comparison to their rivals, Raikkonen responded somewhat diplomatically. "Well, I don't know about that," he said when asked if Ferrari were ahead of their rivals. "We'll see only at the first GP."
I don't remember seeing anywhere that he broke the lap record. Last I checked Schumi still had it by .3 seconds in the F2004. Maybe I missed the latest testing times can anyone corroborate?
technically yes, but during this testing period for the F2008, Kimi clocked 2 sec faster than Massa's pole time last year, if i'm not wrong.
On the formula1.com website it has Schumacher's 1.30.2 as the track record and the fastest time on day two of Shakir testing was Kimi with a 1.30.5 which was two seconds clear of Badoer and the other cars. Unless I'm mistaken does anyone have a link saying what the actual track record is and who holds it?
Fastest laps on Bahrain 1:30.252 Michael Schumacher 2004-04-04 1:31.447 Pedro de la Rosa 2005-04-03 1:32.406 Nico Rosberg 2006-03-12 1:34.067 Felipe Massa 2007-04-15 http://www.4mula1.ro/history/track/Bahrain
MS holds the track record of 1.30.2 because he did it in a race(2004). the unofficial track record is by Button in the BAR Honda of 1.29.5 during testing(2004)- thats the fastest lap ever in Bahrain. Last year Massa did a 1.29.9 in testing, fastest lap by the V8(2007). We still got three more days to test so I woudnt be surprise if either Massa or Kimi dips under the 1.30 barrier.
I guess you can say that this is the fastest a car has gone around the track without the use of TC. Whatever the case may be, this is looking good for the Scuderia.
Remember there are substantial changes in the cars that require them to theoretically go slower. From the engine requirement that was not in effect in 2004 to traction control etc. Certain records are harder to break today than what they were when they were achieved. Should not take away from the record holder neither disqualify the current times. The 2008 with a one-race engine and full traction control will definetly be faster than the 2004 car. The real question then only is, would Schumacher or Kimi be faster in an equal car.