Kimi Raikkonen about the Kawasaki Racing Team
KRT Team owner Kimi Raikkonen attends selected rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship every year and we took the opportunity to have a chat with him. In its second year in the MXGP class with Kawasaki, the team has already achieved numerous podium results, including five GP victories in a row for Romain Febvre.
Kimi, have you done motocross yourself and how did it start for you?
Kimi Raikkonen: As a child I started the same way as many children did, with an Italjet minibike. It was a 50cc automatic with which I learned about balance, machine position and throttle control. I think that's where my love for off-road and MX came from. As a kid I didn't compete much on two wheels, but later I did some club racing on a KX250. I've always loved the challenge that MX riding gives you and how physical it is. It's such a great feeling and after riding you always feel like you've really challenged yourself – in a really positive way.
Should you drive motocross as a Formula 1 driver?
Kimi Raikkonen: Sometimes I competed in small club races, but that was just for fun and I have a small track here at home with the kids. I didn't race at a high level and I felt it was part of my fitness program. I don't know what my teams thought about it because I never talked about it.
How did you start building the team?
Kimi Raikkonen: In the beginning, of course, it was with completely different people, but it wasn't the way I wanted it; it was too messy. Then I spoke to Antti Pyrhonen around 2010; in fact I almost hired him as a driver at first. Six months later, when I heard he was quitting, I called him again to come and lead the team. Now things are going very well. We always wanted to come back to Kawasaki; now is the second year we have been together and we have a good relationship with the Japanese people and the whole Kawasaki group. Kawasaki is pushing a lot and it's great to be part of the team and group and help them develop the bike.
You must be happy with the recent success; five wins in a row.
Kimi Raikkonen: Of course it's nice to win and we've been working for this for years. But sometimes results come, sometimes they don't, and injuries are part of the equation; we always want to win, but it is a small difference between finishing fifth and winning. It's great to win and we'll take it when it comes, but we know how easily it can go the other way. Last year was difficult with Romain being injured and of course it was also the first year for us with Kawasaki. Romain is riding well and is winning now and Mitch is getting stronger, so hopefully we can soon be in the lead with two bikes.
Are you satisfied with the development?
Kimi Raikkonen: Yes; It's been a busy few years, first changing manufacturers last year and then the new engine. This year it was almost like starting from scratch again with the new engine, but we were prepared and we now have everything the way we want it. There are always things that can be improved, but it must be a meaningful process. You can do things very quickly, but it has to work well; it has to be 100% what you want. And the work continues to make riders even happier.
Have you ridden the new KX450 yourself?
Kimi Raikkonen: We have a new baby this year, so I've been busy with my family and haven't had a chance to ride the new bike myself yet, but hopefully I can find time to ride again this winter. Actually, I have a KX250 and a KX450.
To be honest, I was surprised at how easy and good they are to ride. With the Kawasakis I have, riding has certainly been taken to a higher level.
Is the 450 right for you or do you prefer the 250 for everyday use?
Kimi Raikkonen: I don't train or ride every day, so I prefer the 250 on my home track in Finland. Maybe for me the 450 would be better suited for a bigger track and if I had more time to ride. It's a serious bike and you have to approach it seriously.
Photos and text: Kawasaki Racing Team
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