Räikkönen is back behind the wheel of a F1 car

Kimi Räikkönen was eager to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car, and his wish was granted. Indeed, he was present today with part of the Lotus F1 Team at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia to participate in a two-day private testing session with an R30.

The 2007 world champion admitted that it didn’t take him very long to get back into the rhythm of an F1 driver. However, he also explained that he would need time to find his footing with the 2012 car, with his engineers, and the Pirelli tires.

It was pleasant to be back in the car. It had been several years since I last drove, and obviously, it takes a little time to get used to it again. But driving, braking, cornering, it doesn’t take many laps. However, of course, to start learning about the single-seater, the team, and the tires, it will take time. It was really nice to finally be back at the wheel of a Formula 1 single-seater, Räikkönen told Sky Sports at the end of his test day.

The Finn also wore his helmet for the 2012 season on this first day of testing. A rather simple helmet with white and black and also a touch of red. His number for 2012, 9, is painted in red on each side at the back of the helmet (see the photo below).