Räikkönen might not participate in the Grand Prix in Korea
Kimi Räikkönen and his entourage have stated that they will decide on the driver's participation in the South Korean Grand Prix next weekend after the initial practice sessions on Friday. The Finnish driver's chronic back pain is the reason.
During the Singapore Grand Prix qualifying, an old back pain rekindled concerns for Kimi Räikkönen. The Finnish world champion is indeed hampered by back pain dating back to an off-track incident during testing sessions in 2001 when he was driving for Sauber at the time.
A mediocre thirteenth place in qualifying in Singapore had been explained by these pains. But after being treated with massages and cortisone, Räikkönen was able to participate in the race normally, and even clinch the third place on the podium.
For the next Grand Prix, in South Korea next weekend, the driver and his team prefer to be cautious. A decision regarding his participation in Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race will be made after the first free practice sessions on Friday: « I am better than I was on Saturday in Singapore, where I didn’t feel really well. The important thing is that I was able to race and we did a good job with this podium. It’s not the first time I’ve had this kind of problem. I’ve had some difficulties with my back for quite some time. We’ll see how things go after getting out of the car on Friday in Korea. »
If necessary, Eric Boullier and Lotus could call upon the Lotus team’s reserve driver, the Italian Davide Valsecchi.
