13 replies to this topic

[AyePirate]

from Atlas F1 news
http://www.atlasf1.c...p/id/4167/.html
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Raikkonen Still 'Under Probation'

Thursday April 19th, 2001

Despite reports indicating the contrary, Finn driver Kimi Raikkonen is still "under probation", albeit successfully competing in the four first races of the 2001 season.

Raikkonen's Superlicence, which allows him to race in the top flight, was only given on the basis of a trial period after FIA president Max Mosley voted against its issue. But reports that it will be assessed after four races are incorrect.

"I think I have to drive for three months without making any mistakes or doing anything silly for them to believe I can drive okay and have a superlicence," said Raikkonen.

"They will check it. They are just rules."

Raikkonen made his Formula One debut this season with the Sauber team after competing in only 23 single-seater races, and his entry in the sport caused concern among some experts.

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I sense some dry Finnish humor in there.

If doing 'anything silly' could cause the loss of a Superlicence
it would be a mighty thin grid!

give the kid a break Max you evil F:evil: :evil:ER!

[miniman]

Like many other FIA rules, Kimi's situation is a moving target after all. Basically he cannot take any risks on track for fear of being banned as a reckless or inexperienced. He can't fight for position and he can't risk any overtaking maneuvers like Montoya.

[Nathan]

You know I find it odd how Alonso hasnt recieved the type of attention Kimi gets and Jenson got..hes younger..granted a bit more racing experiance...but none the less....HES ONLY 19 for crying out loud!!!

(PS Im not saying because he is 19 he shouldnt be racing..I think all have what it takes..just find it odd he doesnt get the same attention.)

[rayyu882]

It's because the Minardi is slower!

[BARnone]

In a way I agree with the FIA - F1 shouldn't be a training ground for young drivers. It is the pinnacle of the sport.

BARnone.

[hyper!! james]

F1 shouldn't be a training ground for young drivers, but it's clear that Kimi doesn't need any training.

The guy is a natural.

I don't think the FIA are using this "probation" to test Kimi, more to dissuade other teams from bringing in hot-headed, inexperienced youngsters.

Like Martin Brundle says: "I'd have given the guy a licence after the first practice session in Melbourne!"

[mkane]

Nothing wrong with encouraging him to behave, but come on. He is at least as worthy as many other drivers currently on the grid. Give him the license and let him race without that over his head.
Matt

[Thanassis]

The guy definitely has future in F1! Did you see the way he was driving behind Panis at Imola? Unfortunately some stupid problem caused his retirement a few laps after that! Maybe we're talking about the next WDC from Finland!;)

As hyper!! james said, the FIA are just tryimg to discourage other F1 teams to bring joungsters in F1. But still I can't understand why they are putting him under so much pressure. They will only make him to make a mistake, sooner or later.

[Greg L]

Originally posted by hyper!! james
F1 shouldn't be a training ground for young drivers, but it's clear that Kimi doesn't need any training.

The guy is a natural.

I don't think the FIA are using this "probation" to test Kimi, more to dissuade other teams from bringing in hot-headed, inexperienced youngsters.

Like Martin Brundle says: "I'd have given the guy a licence after the first practice session in Melbourne!"

I agree 100%

[BARnone]

Ageed, Kimi has shown promise and remarkably has been able to keep his head. However, he was an unknown quantity in full Formula 1 race trim until four races ago and I agree with the FIA decision to put him on probation. If not for Kimi then for the young ones that come after him.

BARnone.

[AyePirate]

But as I stated in the topic starter, it's not the newbies
causing all the mayhem! The whole "too young" arguement
just doesn't hold water. Some drivers that have been driving
the better part of a decade still overate themselves.

How is it Sauber's interest to put someone out there
that isn't capable against the wishes of its primary
sponsor? I trust the judgement of any of team principals
over the man who brought us that sterling "safety" innovation
the grooved tire- Max Moseley.

We heard this same tune last year, I believe it was
called "Jenson is Too Young".

Wrong and Wrong

[malc]

Originally posted by miniman
He can't fight for position and he can't risk any overtaking maneuvers like Montoya.

but he does take these risks! In his first GP in Australia he overtook
Fisi and Alesi, by Kimi: "..it wasn´t any different than usuall..."


and in Imola he made an superb pass of Villeneuve, on first lap.
It was only shown on Cable TV.

.. and in Malesia he was driving 5 secs per lap faster than his teammate in heavy rain, cause " ...I was trying to catch my teammate.."

I think he´s ultra cool, but he should really be carefull with Max
jerking off in his back.

[Mellon]

and in Imola he made an superb pass of Villeneuve, on first lap.It was only shown on Cable TV.

It was in the normal feed as well. It wasn't that great a pass. JV was well off the line and had to break really early. Kimi just cut in front of him. Luckily JV saw him coming and didn't take him out.
The pass on GF in Australia was great. I think Fisi thought he was going to take the other side and moved to block but Kimi managed the swerve round the other side, great stuff.

[OssieFan]

It's obvious that Kimi has earned his superlicense, however I remember someone at the start of the year saying that drivers with such little experience should get a superlicense straight away (without completing F3 or F3000). I think they should be more strict with this, a driver should at least do a season in F3 before being considered for a license.