4052 replies to this topic

[OSX]

Kimi Raikkonen Prior to the Podium Ceremony - Abu Dhabi GP 2012

"Lotus F1 driver Kimi Raikkonen and the winner of the Abu Dhabi GP 2012 chills and chats with his friend Sebastian Vettel, and Fernando Alonso, prior to the podium ceremony."

[Wander]

All these Castrol rankings, Coca Cola rankings are just bogus. Just there to advertise their names and rankings can be totally hideous. They just want to shove it up your face because they can. Better of ignoring those.

Well, at least there is a consistent system behind the way they rate drivers, even if it is dubious. And you can probably find the 5 best active racing drivers in the top 10 or so...

E: I do find it funny that in the race for 2012 in the Castrol rankings, Kimi is behind Webber and Hamilton. Really? Too much focus given for qualifying, I suspect.

Edited by Wander, 08 November 2012 - 22:22.

[scheivlak]

E: I do find it funny that in the race for 2012 in the Castrol rankings, Kimi is behind Webber and Hamilton. Really? Too much focus given for qualifying, I suspect.

Don't forget that the ranking is based on results of the last 12 months - so e.g. Hamilton's 2011 Abu Dhabi win and Webber's 2011 Brazil win still count at this moment.

[Wander]

Don't forget that the ranking is based on results of the last 12 months - so e.g. Hamilton's 2011 Abu Dhabi win and Webber's 2011 Brazil win still count at this moment.

I meant that they are still ahead in the race for 2012, too.

[David Lightman]

"Kimi Raikkonen gives entire Lotus team radio message T-shirts"

http://www.bbc.co.uk...rmula1/20267305

Sorry if already posted. Great story.

[CrashPad]

I'd be very surprised if that was actually Kimi's idea instead of the Lotus PR department, but nevertheless funny story

[Callisto]

"Kimi Raikkonen gives entire Lotus team radio message T-shirts"

http://www.bbc.co.uk...rmula1/20267305

Sorry if already posted. Great story.

[swerved]

I'd be very surprised if that was actually Kimi's idea instead of the Lotus PR department, but nevertheless funny story

It could have been his idea, i wouldn't be shocked to discover it was, hope we find out, but this, together with the team dishing out ice-cream to the journos does show someones got their finger on the pulse and the team aren't scared of laughing at themselves, and its something that shows the human side, as time goes on its becoming easier to believe that the rumours of Kimi and Lotus being a good, and comfortable collaboration, are less PR and more factual.

As you say, a funny little story, I wonder if anyone will wear theirs in FP1.

[Taxi]

They should wear them. I still think it was the PR deppartment who came with the idea tough. But in the end all that matters are performances on track. Kimi has brought them, so this and his charisma are making him the formula 1 rock star these days. Pretty nice. :-)

[peroa]

Errr, Makia anyone?

[Taxi]

Errr, Makia anyone?

Of course.

[Anja]

This shows how Lotus' approach to PR differs from other teams. They're not trying to change Kimi's unique image to another corporate robot, but are rather using it for marketing advantage. I can't think of any other team which would act like that right now. Red Bull used to be a bit more "relaxed" but now that they're on top, it's all serious business.

[Taxi]

A bit unfair to Romain, as a "Going trough!" T-shirt would be quite success.

[UPRC]

http://www.autosport...t.php/id/104136

Nice article.

I love how there is just such a tremendous vibe that Kimi has lifted the spirits of the team and motivated them so much. He's doing an awesome job of shattering illusions and myths about him this year!

Edited by UPRC, 09 November 2012 - 16:28.

[Mc_Silver]

lol

[swerved]

lol

Excellent! Would love to see team members wearing those, even if only for a publicity shot.

[autosportfan]

lol

[Callisto]

lol

[One]

Love it. He will do it.

[Creepy]

Brilliant merchandise move. They should sell them on Internet, I'm sure many will buy them. I'm not even a Kimi fan and I'd get one.

[BackOnTop]

Kimi Raikkonen: Lotus F1 Team America Preview

“It will be the third new circuit for me this year and most of all, a brand new place for every team and every driver as well. Korea and India were both new to me, but I had seen the previous races on TV. I don’t know anything about Austin, just the name Circuit of the Americas. I have always liked to go to new places as it adds a bit of additional excitement. I’m particularly looking forward to this one. I like the American atmosphere, it’s just a relaxed environment; they know how to have fun and, most of all, they love racing.

“I competed in seven Grands Prix at Indianapolis. Unfortunately the one time I felt I had a really strong car there was in 2005 when only six cars raced and I wasn’t one of them. I did get pole position in 2003, but none of the races are ones I remember well. Last year I tried NASCAR.

I did two races on the Charlotte oval and I really liked it a lot. That was probably the experience I needed to open my eyes for racing again. After that I really wanted to come back to Formula One, while it was a tempting idea to do more NASCAR, too. After seeing the excitement of the American NASCAR fans I hope Formula One gets people as eager to enjoy our racing in Texas, too.”

[BackOnTop]

Raikkonen's blunt radio messages to his team - including an instruction to "leave me alone" when informed of the gap to Alonso - became a sensation among fans after Abu Dhabi.

The Lotus driver said he was simply trying to stay focused.

"Apparently there were a few of our radio messages broadcast on TV and I think in those moments you could hear how much I just wanted to keep my head down, do my job and win the race. All I needed to know was the gap to the guy behind me.

"I think you can probably find other messages from me in the car if you search YouTube; even from my short time in NASCAR."

Kimi Raikkonen has put his money where his mouth is by paying for 500 t-shirts emblazoned with his "leave me alone" radio message, broadcast during last Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
http://www.channelne...1236352/1/.html?

Edited by BackOnTop, 10 November 2012 - 03:29.

[beqa16v]

Raikkonen's blunt radio messages to his team - including an instruction to "leave me alone" when informed of the gap to Alonso - became a sensation among fans after Abu Dhabi.

The Lotus driver said he was simply trying to stay focused.

"Apparently there were a few of our radio messages broadcast on TV and I think in those moments you could hear how much I just wanted to keep my head down, do my job and win the race. All I needed to know was the gap to the guy behind me.

"I think you can probably find other messages from me in the car if you search YouTube; even from my short time in NASCAR."

Kimi Raikkonen has put his money where his mouth is by paying for 500 t-shirts emblazoned with his "leave me alone" radio message, broadcast during last Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
http://www.channelne...1236352/1/.html?

That is already a conduct of an established team leader, not just a fast driver. I'm impressed. People are starting to appreciate from this perspective as well.

[SpaMaster]

I meant that they are still ahead in the race for 2012, too.

These are sort of the things I mean. No focus should be given for qualifying. The advantage from qualifying is the starting position for the race. If the performance is not transferred on Sunday, Saturday is a moot point.

[Trust]

These are sort of the things I mean. No focus should be given for qualifying. The advantage from qualifying is the starting position for the race. If the performance is not transferred on Sunday, Saturday is a moot point.

Maybe, but Kimi should have qualified better. He is now very good in the last couple of races so I expect that level next year from him.

[F.M.]

Brilliant merchandise move. They should sell them on Internet, I'm sure many will buy them. I'm not even a Kimi fan and I'd get one.

Indeed. I really want one

[as65p]

Brilliant merchandise move. They should sell them on Internet, I'm sure many will buy them. I'm not even a Kimi fan and I'd get one.

An instant classic.

[FigJam]

This shows how Lotus' approach to PR differs from other teams. They're not trying to change Kimi's unique image to another corporate robot, but are rather using it for marketing advantage. I can't think of any other team which would act like that right now. Red Bull used to be a bit more "relaxed" but now that they're on top, it's all serious business.

Raikkonen is the only one left with this sort of personality, image and marketability. He's actually got the perfect 'Red Bull' image, hence their sponsorship of him in recent years.

Lewis maybe...but its not as natural as Kimi. The Red Bull drivers?? About as 'rock star' as wet paint....But then I suppose it shows that in their F1 efforts, they don't care so much given the exposure the team as a whole gets and the brand in general.

[Craven Morehead]

I am so glad he's back. It is just brilliant to have him in F1 again. This is a great era: I think Kimi & Seb & Fred & Lewis will be remembered with the likes of Senna, Prost, Mansell, Piquet. It does remind me of those days quite a bit. Welcome home Iceman.

[SpaMaster]

Maybe, but Kimi should have qualified better. He is now very good in the last couple of races so I expect that level next year from him.

May be, but it still does not justify a ranking below Webber and Hamilton.

[showtime]

Lot's of talking about Kimi in the last episode of TFL, including chats with Rob Wilson and Mark Slade,
http://smibs.tv/the-...2012-debrief-f1

[wrcva]

Lot's of talking about Kimi in the last episode of TFL, including chats with Rob Wilson and Mark Slade,
http://smibs.tv/the-...2012-debrief-f1

nice discussion. nothing new other than Slade confirming that the steering feel issue is not fixed (39:25) -- for now good enough to win races, they'll try to address it for next year, not enough resources to deal with it so on...

[BackOnTop]

THE COMEBACK KING - [Q & A]
PRESENTATION OF GP UNITED STATES WITH KIMI RAIKKONEN

After earning the 19th win of his career, our comeback king turns to a new trial in a country he knows well and loves

http://www.lotusf1te...on.html?lang=en

Edited by BackOnTop, 10 November 2012 - 20:55.

[rijole1]

lol

If I got one of these t-shirts, I would wear it every day at work

[autosportfan]

If I got one of these t-shirts, I would wear it every day at work ;)

Now there's a thought! Would make a good screen saver and wall paper also ...

[Sammyosammy]

If I got one of these t-shirts, I would wear it every day at work ;)

http://www.fistpumps...tive-shirt.html

[BackOnTop]

http://www.fistpumps...tive-shirt.html

Kimi - "I know what I'm doing!"

Details
This commemorative shirt is a reminder of Kimi Raikkonen, the famous driver's words as he pushed to the end of the race in Abu Dhabi. It is a reminder of how his determination and his engineer's persistence clashed and produced their first team win. The shirt is available in high quality cotton and the color scheme of the winning team.

Remember the driver's famous words as he brought his team their first grand prix win. Available only in European date format (4/11/2012).

[Shiroo]

Do not buy from that page. It is not original shirt fromt Lotus. They soon should give it on their merchandise anyway. + In that way you could support Lotus F1 Team. So a real fan would definetly buy such shirt from Lotus

[beefree88]

Kimi - "I know what I'm doing!"

Details
This commemorative shirt is a reminder of Kimi Raikkonen, the famous driver's words as he pushed to the end of the race in Abu Dhabi. It is a reminder of how his determination and his engineer's persistence clashed and produced their first team win. The shirt is available in high quality cotton and the color scheme of the winning team.

Remember the driver's famous words as he brought his team their first grand prix win. Available only in European date format (4/11/2012).

https://twitter.com/...7657472/photo/1
RT if you want the @Lotus_F1Team #Kimi celebration shirt to be available from our store! #F1 pic.twitter.com/fq3DQo8R

[BackOnTop]

Do not buy from that page. It is not original shirt fromt Lotus. They soon should give it on their merchandise anyway. + In that way you could support Lotus F1 Team. So a real fan would definetly buy such shirt from Lotus

I have full support for your reasoning.

Yes, Lotus have given good vibes about Kimi's messages to become official mercandise & could be available in multi-variety soon. So hope they can give us a few more added "messages" in future because Kimi/Lotus fans & F1 neutrals have given them good sales & appreciation for bringing Kimi back into Formula 1.

If Lotus get good support, they might hopefully release:

-Why do I get BLUE FLAGS all the time?
-Give me more power then, just give me more power!

-Yes Yes Yes Yes !!!!
(with 4 (O) under each Yes wrapped in Warmers)

I can guess the target fanbase for the last one

Edited by BackOnTop, 11 November 2012 - 16:46.

[milestone 11]

I made a ringtone for my phone with Kimi's messages. Anyone want the audio to make one for themselves, pm me an email.

[Sammyosammy]

Do not buy from that page. It is not original shirt fromt Lotus. They soon should give it on their merchandise anyway. + In that way you could support Lotus F1 Team. So a real fan would definetly buy such shirt from Lotus

Not gonna buy. From FistPump or from Lotus-shop. Sorry I linked cracked version. Good call, cheers

[Youichi]

Kimi - "I know what I'm doing!"

Details
This commemorative shirt is a reminder of Kimi Raikkonen, the famous driver's words as he pushed to the end of the race in Abu Dhabi. It is a reminder of how his determination and his engineer's persistence clashed and produced their first team win. The shirt is available in high quality cotton and the color scheme of the winning team.

Remember the driver's famous words as he brought his team their first grand prix win. Available only in European date format (4/11/2012).

The real shirts have the Lotus F1 logo and Kimi's number on the sleves, and the Iceman logo on the back. Rumour is the marketing dept. at LotusF1 are planning to sell them.

[Wander]

I'm sure they will.

[Gag� Bueno]

Even if it could be done much better, after such a race, the official race edit from Yuba Dubbah should be a mandatory watch for real fans.

[MonacoMaster]

Even if it could be done much better, after such a race, the official race edit from Yuba Dubbah should be a mandatory watch for real fans.

To be honest that was rather awful highlight video from such a awesome race. Thanks for the link though.

[Wander]

Not one of the best race edits for whatever reason. Hmmh...

[2ms]

Who's the guy with the "Yeehawww!"? Obviously not Kimi, but everytime I see footage the timing of camera sorta makes it look as if it was Kimi.

[Trust]

Who's the guy with the "Yeehawww!"? Obviously not Kimi, but everytime I see footage the timing of camera sorta makes it look as if it was Kimi.

Wow. The same happened to me. Maybe it's Slade?

[subete]

Who's the guy with the "Yeehawww!"? Obviously not Kimi, but everytime I see footage the timing of camera sorta makes it look as if it was Kimi.

It's not kimi...