Motivated Raikkonen set for January test with old car

Kimi Raikkonen says he’s fully motivated and doesn’t expect to have any problems in getting up to speed in 2012.

He’s also confirmed that in January he will have a run in a two-year-old car, which is allowed under the testing restrictions.

“I am more motivated than ever and I don’t think I’ve lost any speed,” the Finn said in an interview with the LRGP website. “Getting on top of the tyres will be the hardest thing, of course, but I’m not really worried.

“Although the technical regulations don’t seem to change much, they apply to a lot of areas and quite a few elements will have to be re-designed. As a result, the cars will be significantly different next year. The order could be shaken up, which will make things very interesting.”

Raikkonen said he’s been impressed by the team so far.

“My two visits to Enstone have been great. The first one, at the team’s Christmas party, made me realise how much support I have there. The second one, last week, allowed me to understand that this team has not been world champion by coincidence. I also saw all the investments they have made recently: new simulator building, CFD upgrade, 60% wind tunnel… It gives me a lot of confidence for the season ahead.

“We don’t test the new car until February so it’s a long wait. However, I should be able to jump into a two-year-old F1 car in January. Of course, there will be the usual training, but I will also be working on getting to know the team better and making sure I fully understand all the changes since I have been away.”

Asked about his targets for testing, he said: “Finding out if we have a fast car! For me, learning how the team works will be another important aspect. Learning Pirelli’s tyres will be the most important job, as it’s a different approach from what I experienced before.”