|
Kimi Raikkonen continued his successful World Rally
Championship debut in Finland this afternoon, ending SS9, the last
forest stage of the day, in 17th place overall and fourth in his
class.
After
showing an encouraging pace this morning, as he familiarised
himself with the day's loop of four stages, Raikkonen felt
confident enough to increase his speed on the afternoon repeat.
With
five stages complete, Kimi brought his car back to the Service
Park in 19th place overall. His time through the most recent stage,
SS5, was just 1.2sec slower than that of Finnish rising star Anton
Alen in a near identical car.
Raikkonen's
co-driver Kaj Lindstrom is acting as Raikkonen's spokesman during
the event and said Kimi's driving was getting better and better.
"This
one was perfect," Kaj said after SS5. "He started the
day a little bit rusty [on SS2] but he was there on SS3 and was
going even better on Mokkipera until we missed a junction. This
last one was perfect. I think we're going to be fine!"
On
the last forest stage of the day, the 13km Palsankyla (SS9), the
Finn was faster than rising star Anton Alen - who is also driving
a Tommi Makinen Racing-run Abarth Grand Punto S2000. Raikkonen's
time on SS9 was only 3.9sec slower than that of Skoda S2000 driver
Juho Hanninen, who won the P-WRC class of Rally Finland last year.
Before
tackling the day closing Super Special, Raikkonen said he was
enjoying his rally so far. "We are quick second time through
and the car is performing really well. The notes are the biggest
challenge in this rally because you must have total faith in them.
I am pleased with my performance,” he said.
|