Kimi: At times my motivation was lacking

Monday 17th November 2008

Kimi Raikkonen has finally admitted to what we all already knew: his motivation was lacking in 2008.

After two wins in the first four grands prix, the then-reigning World Champ hit a slump in form that earned him criticism from all quarters with many claiming he had lost his motivation.

And although the 29-year-old repeatedly denied this, he has finally conceded that at times when he was not in a position to win he didn't try all that hard.

"When there are no opportunities to overtake or to improve your position it is definitely not very interesting. But that is the way it is," he told Finnish broadcaster MTV3.

"If you know you are fighting only for third place then you maybe don't have the same speed for the whole race as normal.

"When you are driving for the title, naturally things are completely different."

The Finn eventually finished the Championship in third place, 23 points behind winner Lewis Hamilton.

Your Comments

gshults

"I am not a Kimi fan but I have to say that he won the World Championhsip last year. What he did fail to do is behave like a world champion during this year. I'm sorry to say that for a lot of races he looked like an also ran and to admint you lost motivation is not the behaviour of a champion but the record will always show he won the title and regardless of any factors affecting him or other drivers that will remain a fact.

I personally enever thought KR would win a title and to be honest I doubt he will win another."

duckbreath

"Can't believe there's still hapless souls blubbering on about McLaren's alleged lack of support towards Hamilton last year for wrong tyres, not treating him with kid gloves, bad diet, using the wrong toothpaste blah blah blah... Didn't some of these very same things happen this year? Were McLaren still not supporting the poor, unfairly treated Hamilton? I think not! Sour grapes springs to mind. Get over it! Kimi won fair and square last year just as Hamilton did this year! Hindsight is a wonderful thing. If only Massa's engine didn't blow up in Hungary or he'd finished at least one of the first two races then he would be champion right now. Can we then say Hammy is NOT REALLY World Champion? You sound like a school child! Get back to your history homework - you're too young to drive anyway!"

globs99

"you ladys are funny.. Am no kimi fan but next year he will have the title wrapped up by august!! it will be boring because no one comes close to this guy in regards of speed and bravery. No one."

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