Monday 21 April 2014

Raikkonen angered by motivation questions

(Scuderia Ferrari SpA via Twitter)
 
Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen has hit out at the media following questions at the conclusion of yesterday's Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit.
 
The Finn, who endured another difficult weekend which started with a suspension issue with his F14T on Friday morning which result in the 'Iceman' missing the first free practice session. Raikkonen finished yesterday's race in 8th place while team mate Fernando Alonso finished the race on the podium.
 
Following the race, Raikkonen was asked if a lack of motivation was the cause of his poor performance in Shanghai. The replied:
 
'I don't know why you always come up with motivation," he said. "If I didn't have motivation I wouldn't be here answering these kinds of questions. It's f**k all to do with that. We have bad races and it's an unfortunate thing, but the aim is to improve and get where we want to be'.

Ferrari like all of the teams on the grid will be bringing a major upgrade package for the first race of the European season in three week's time at the Circuit Du Catalunya in Barcelona.

It will be the first time that the new era of Formula One car will take to the Barcelona circuit as winter testing no longer takes place at the Spanish Grand Prix venue and instead is held at the Jerez circuit. The team's will also take part in the second two day test in Barcelona.

Following Fernando's Alonso's first podium finish of the season yesterday where the Spaniard finished the race in third place the team will be hoping that they will be able to continue the progress next time out.

Following yesterday's Grand Prix in China, Ferrari are the only team on the grid who have completed every racing lap so far this season with both cars however they will be looking for improved race pace in Spain.

Raikkonen believes that the cold weather conditions in China played a major role in his poor performance as the Finn admitted that due to the low track temperatures he was unable to get his tyre's up to the right operating temperature which affected the Finn's challenge in the race.

The track temperatures are expected to be an awful lot higher in Barcelona at the start of May compared to the temperatures in China.

For his part, Fernando Alonso is unsure whether or not his podium finish yesterday will be the start of Ferrari's fight back. The Spaniard admitted to being 'surprised' by the podium finish which elevate  the Spaniard into third place in Driver's championship behind the Mercedes duo of Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.

Alonso won the Spanish Grand Prix last year so it will be interesting to see if Ferrari will be able to mount a challenge to Mercedes for the victory in Spain.

©Ben Johnston 2014

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