07-22-2010, 07:02 PM
Since it was conducted by Turun Sanomat, there are certain folks on this board who will probably tell you this interview never happened, but for the sensible majority, here are some excerpts from the interview, with Fernando's feelings on his current teammate, as well as on Kimi Raikkonen. I can't help but be reminded of the comments always made about Gilles when reading Fernando's take on Kimi as a competitor.
http://www.ts.fi/f1/uutiset/148058.html
Q: What does it mean to you that your long time rival Kimi Räikkönen no longer drives in F1?
FA: Kimi was an exeptional F1-driver, a different character, brilliant driver and the fairest opponent that I know. Kimi is a respectable and respecting racing driver. In my every fight or overtaking with Kimi there was always a feeling that we were safe, because he always drove so fairly. It is clear that this whole gang of 24 drivers are missing Kimi. I think he enjoys where he´s driving now but it would be nice if he would come back.
Q: Have you followed Kimi´s rallying career?
FA: Yes I have. He has already become a good rally driver. It is not easy for him because the opponents have years of head start in experience. I still believe that Kimi will soon become a winner in rallying and I sincery hope that he will win the WC also in that category.
Q: And would Fernando Alonso have enough patience to face this kind of challenge that would demand years of work?
FA: I don´t love rally so much that I would ever go there. And probably I also wouldn´t be patient enough because rally is so competitive sport and demands lots of learning. It´s a bit like DTM. It´s nice to watch them both but if you try to go there yourself it will take 1-2 years minimum before you know how to deal with it.
Q: Especially the fans in Finland have been amazed by the fact that Felipe Massa could so well match the pace of Räikkönen in the qualifyings and that Fernando Alonso has outqualified the Brazilian 7-2.
FA: I don´t have the answer but I think at the end of last season Kimi found confidence to his car and Felipe couldn´t drive then. Had he been driving I think Kimi would have been ahead of him like I am now.
This season Felipe has had slip-ups because he has had difficulties in getting the tires to the right temperature for the qualifying lap. In the practise and in races we have been very equal. The higher temperatures now during the summer´s qualifyings will surely help Felipe.
http://www.ts.fi/f1/uutiset/148058.html
Q: What does it mean to you that your long time rival Kimi Räikkönen no longer drives in F1?
FA: Kimi was an exeptional F1-driver, a different character, brilliant driver and the fairest opponent that I know. Kimi is a respectable and respecting racing driver. In my every fight or overtaking with Kimi there was always a feeling that we were safe, because he always drove so fairly. It is clear that this whole gang of 24 drivers are missing Kimi. I think he enjoys where he´s driving now but it would be nice if he would come back.
Q: Have you followed Kimi´s rallying career?
FA: Yes I have. He has already become a good rally driver. It is not easy for him because the opponents have years of head start in experience. I still believe that Kimi will soon become a winner in rallying and I sincery hope that he will win the WC also in that category.
Q: And would Fernando Alonso have enough patience to face this kind of challenge that would demand years of work?
FA: I don´t love rally so much that I would ever go there. And probably I also wouldn´t be patient enough because rally is so competitive sport and demands lots of learning. It´s a bit like DTM. It´s nice to watch them both but if you try to go there yourself it will take 1-2 years minimum before you know how to deal with it.
Q: Especially the fans in Finland have been amazed by the fact that Felipe Massa could so well match the pace of Räikkönen in the qualifyings and that Fernando Alonso has outqualified the Brazilian 7-2.
FA: I don´t have the answer but I think at the end of last season Kimi found confidence to his car and Felipe couldn´t drive then. Had he been driving I think Kimi would have been ahead of him like I am now.
This season Felipe has had slip-ups because he has had difficulties in getting the tires to the right temperature for the qualifying lap. In the practise and in races we have been very equal. The higher temperatures now during the summer´s qualifyings will surely help Felipe.
