Here is Kimi Raikkonen’s personal account of his first season in the WRC:
Well, the rally season 2010 is over. It was a tough year. Trying to learn the WRC car and eleven completely new rallies during the season was a huge challenge for a rookie like me. But it was a great fun, too. I liked the new experience very much, indeed. It was as difficult as we could expect.
It was a season full of ups and downs. There were some good times, there were some bad times. But that’s how it usually goes in the world of motor sports. Obviously, there were some people expecting us to perform miracles after a couple of first rallies. But, at the end of the day, there was no reason to expect more from this rookie season of mine.
We finished the last rally in Wales. It feels good every time you finish a race. The Rally of Britain was a truly challenging one. We’ve got storm, rain, ice-slippery roads, no sight ahead from time to time. It was an adventure and to finish it with some points was a nice finish for this WRC season.
It was also the end of an era for these WRC cars. They are really great cars and it was a privilege to have a season with them, too.
Obviously, the season offered many different kind of rally roads. The tarmac doesn’t mean tarmac like it is in Formula One. It’s only semi-tarmac every time, while there is so much gravel and dirt on the road.
Comparing it to circuit racing, the only real asphalt were those short show stages in the cities.
The Red Bull Citroen WRC team keeps on winning the championships. They are true professionals in and out. You have to give the highest praise to them every time for their effort.
Now it’s time for a break. I will chill out with friends and my family like I usually do at this time of the year. I’ll keep training and keep having fun in motor racing. Christmas time is coming and I plan to spend that peaceful period at home, like always.
For the next year we continue talking to people. When we have something signed and sealed, we will tell you.
Thank you to all the fans for the support and wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The race goes on in 2011.
Kimi
– Credit: www.kimiraikkonen.com