Kimi Räikkönen returns to the motorsport stage almost nine months after retiring from Formula 1. After the 42-year-old took on a job as team boss in the motocross scene in the spring, he is now back behind the wheel himself. It will already be on August 21st. Even if it’s just a one-off for now.
The location for the “Iceman”‘s big return will be the former F1 race track in Watkins Glen (USA). As far as the racing series is concerned, the Finn made a more puristic choice: the Nascars. This is where tuned-up touring cars really get down to business, mostly on the ovals so popular with American audiences. But Raikkonen chose, probably not without ulterior motives, preferring a circuit.
Justin Marks, team owner of Trackhouse Racing, is particularly happy about the prominent guest in Watkins Glen: “Ever since Kimi came to the premier class with Sauber, I’ve been a fan. And a highlight of my career as a driver was beating him in Charlotte in 2011 could drive at the same track. I knew he was interested in Nascar so I pitched our third car program to him.”
The “Iceman” meets the “Torpedo”
In fact, the US racing series has always had a great appeal for the 2007 F1 World Champion. In the course of his two-year break from the premier class of motorsport from 2010 to 2011, the taciturn father tried his hand at the Nascars, albeit with limited success.
Kimi, who is usually so shy of the simulator, has even practiced a bit: In the Chevrolet racing simulator, he tested the car for the first time at the Virginia International Raceway in Alton (Virgina).
Incidentally, the veteran star will meet an old friend in Watkins Glen. Former Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat. In contrast to Räikkönen, who is already (partially) retired, the Russian has a long-term future in the USA in mind.
Kimi speaks up: “Makes sense for our family”
Does decades of racing in the top category give Raikkonen an advantage over the competition? “I don’t think so. It’s a new track for me and the cars are completely different from last time too. F1 cars are completely different. We’ll go out there and see how it goes. I’m sure we’ll do well will beat,” said the 42-year-old.
Otherwise, the taciturn Finn is looking forward to the new adventure. “It’s just one race so it makes sense for us as a family. I’ve enjoyed the few races I’ve had in 2011. Hopefully I’ll have a good race and have fun.”