Kimi Raikkonen says that his first World Rally Championship stage win has given him additional motivation to continue in the sport next year.
The 2007 Formula One World Champion went quickest on the final stage of the Rallye Deutschland, Circus Maximus, to claim a fastest time on only his eighth-ever WRC event in a World Rally Car.
“It’s a nice feeling, definitely,” said Raikkonen, who showed himself consistently capable of setting top six stage times in Germany. “Maybe this stage was a bit more like a racing circuit! But it’s a sign that we’re moving in the right direction and learning all the time. Our work with the pace notes in Germany, for example, was nearly perfect.”
With Citroen boss Olivier Quesnel having underlined his desire to keep Raikkonen in the Citroen Junior Team next year, the Finn is inclining towards remaining in the World Rally Championship for 2011.
“Nothing is decided yet, but I’m enjoying myself here,” said Raikkonen. “I also think that we’re making progress. Rallying is all about experience, so I think it would be good if we could use this experience next year.”
Raikkonen has some options to return to Formula One, but he says he does not miss single-seater racing and that he would only go back if it were with a front-running team. If he stays in rallying with the Citroen Junior Team next year he would drive the new DS3 WRC: the same car as Sebastien Loeb.
Citroen Junior Team manager Benoit Nogier also believes that Raikkonen’s fastest stage time will help convince him to stay in the World Rally Championship next year. “It was a real morale-booster for the whole team,” he said. “In many ways, what Kimi achieved in Germany was just as impressive as what Sebastien Ogier achieved. It’s a very positive sign for the future.”
Follow this link to watch exclusive onboard video from Raikkonen’s Citroen as he sets the fastest time on the Trier Circus Maximus street stage.
– Credit: www.wrc.com