(Scuderia Ferrari SpA via Twitter)
The Ferrari Formula One team head to the German Grand Prix following a somewhat difficult weekend at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone two weeks ago. The Scuderia have endured an extremely tough start to the 2014 Formula One season and in Silverstone both Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen struggled with the performance of the F14-T after qualifying down in 16th and 18th place respectively.
While Alonso made his way from 16th on the grid to finish the race in 6th place just behind reigning world champion Infiniti Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen was less fortunate as the Finn had a horrendous crash coming down the Wellington straight crashing at an incredible 47G. The Finn emerged unscathed from the accident although complained of some minor pain in his ankle and a few bruises.
As a result he was unable to take part in the post Silverstone in season test as Ferrari decided that it would be better to rest Raikkonen so that he would be fully fit for this weekend's German Grand Prix in Hockenheim. Following the crash certain people within Formula One questioned whether Raikkonen should even still be in Formula One and also that the FIA should have punished the Finn. However this was completed dismissed by the FIA in relation to punishing the Iceman as it was investigated but race stewards found he had not endangered any other competitor.
Raikkonen has had a difficult start to the season but is an extremely competitive driver and would not be in Formula One if he was not committed to the sport. He has also been criticized by former world champion and fellow Finn Mika Hakkinen for hinting that he may retire when his current deal with Ferrari runs out at the end of next season.
Hakkinen feels that Raikkonen was unwise and once a driver starts talking about retirement then they are no longer motivated however over the course of the British Grand Prix weekend Raikkonen told Sky Sports F1 HD commentator Martin Brundle that he is still very much enjoying Formula One and is still fully motivated on the sport.
Raikkonen heads into this weekend's German Grand Prix in 12th place in the Driver's championship but is confident he can do a good job in Hockenheim.
Last season, the Finn finished in second place at the Nurburgring and the last time Formula One circus was in Hockenheim Raikkonen finished in third place while Fernando Alonso won the race in 2012.
© Ben Johnston 2014
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