IMHO, it's a tad too early to predict how fast/podiums will he achieve. However, we can't deny the talent he has. The raw speed. Also, we can't deny that he got demotivated halfway at Ferrari. Maybe he got bored. Maybe he disliked the culture. I mean, this thing happens to everyone. For me, the past is the past. He looks new to me. He looks fresh, and he does sound hungry. I'm glad Kimi's back.
I couldn't care less if he wins the WDC or finishes dead last. He's been my favorite driver since the Mclaren days, and I am thrilled to see a personality like his back on the grid. Time will tell, but I expect a lot of nay-sayers will be eating crow with a side of foot after this season... or I will be
Yup, personality. Not afraid to speak his own mind and doesn't need a press secretary to think for him.
I am glad Kimi came back to F1. He is a strange, weird, funny, wonderful character, a brilliant natural driving talent, and he adds to the colourful tapestry of F1. Welcome back, Kimi! No matter if you like him or not, history shows us that he has phenomenal pace, even in cars that are not 100%, such as the McLarens that should have enabled his first world championship, expect they were unreliable, broke down, or somewhat vital bits fell off them at the most inopportune times. Or the Ferraris in 2008 and 2009 that lacked competitiveness all round. Yet he pulled a lot of points and podiums in those cars for the Scuderia. In fact, Kimi has actually said that he gave 100% in that time at Ferrari and that he considers some of those races as the best of his career (i.e. driving a crap car way beyond where it deserved to finish). And in 2010, Fernando could do no better with the equally uncompetitive equipment handed him by Ferrari. BTW, as an Estonian I can say that some Scandanavians and Balts can be rather understated and somewhat blunt at times, but underlying this there is often a droll sense of humour - it's just their way - Kimi perhaps more so than than Heiki or Mika, but all cut from the same cloth. For sure, though, Kimi is modest and realistic at the same time about what he does.
I was just yanking the chain but that is not personality, it is arrogance imho. I do not appreciate Kimi's disdain for anything other than just driving as he is not that great nor does he have the record/stats that would accord him such a lofty opinion of himself. Too each their own as these are just opinions and not facts so I hope nothing is taken personaly .
I like Kimi, and quite frankly, i think he would trash Alonso in equal cars...providing he was only half drunk.....Alonso´s luck was that Felipe had his accident and has never been the same since (perhaps his brain got confused and start thinking he was barrichelo), otherwise he would be having a difficult time at ferrari.
I dislike Alonso as well. After Schumacher it's been a crap shoot. I love Massa but after the... Alonso is faster do you confirm... he hasn't been all there. He should have won the DC in 08. And the Iceman is great! One of my favorite drivers. (despite the binge drinking)
I'm almost certain his exact response would have been, "I think so it's just one button and makes you go faster." "I was taking a ****!" Good to have the Iceman back. And it seems at this early stage he may just have a car that works...... Cheers, Ian
As Ian said it is good too have the Iceman back and just because I'm not a 'super fan' of him his return could very well shakeup the order, a win win for F1 and for F1 fans.
"Much" meaning what exactly? - Beat his team-mate? - I sure hope so else more wine is going to Canada! - Get on the podium a few times? [By Ferrari standards that would be a failure, for Kimi that would be a success......] - Get into Q3 on a regular basis? I think he's gonna surprise a few people. Cheers, Iaqn
THIS. So happy my favorite driver is back. BUT i'll reserve excitement until the lotus proves it can run with the big boys in actual races. As kimi said, testing means nothing.
1. Beat his team mate. I have no doubt he will do this on a regular basis. 2. Get on the podium a few times. No chance. 3. Get into Q3 on a regular basis. No chance. Sorry Ian
Some of you clearly don't understand the definition of 'lovefest'. I'd post some pictures but don't think the moderators would necessarily approve. >8^) ER
Shouldn't it be a beerfest. Kimi is hard to read maybe his test time was his day in the sun, maybe not. He will do VERY well if he gets near the likes of Vet Ham Fred.
Grosjean put in a much quicker lap today than Kimi's was. What this means, I don't know. F1 testing is kinda frustrating as a fan, honestly