Formula 1

Getting Pirelli tyres to work ‘most challenging part of the day’ for Raikkonen

1 Mins read
Kimi Raikkonen finished P9 in FP1 and P4 in FP2 - Credit: Scuderia Ferrari

Kimi Raikkonen felt it was challenging to get the Pirelli tyres to work during free practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with the Finn ending ninth fastest in first practice and fourth in the second session.

The Scuderia Ferrari driver ended 1.590 seconds down on pacesetter Max Verstappen in the opening session after a best lap of 1:46.000s, but he improved to a 1:43.489s in the afternoon session to move to within 0.127 seconds of Verstappen, who again led the way.

Raikkonen admitted that tyres were key to having a good session, and he was happier at the end of the second session, and although he knows there is still work to be done, he is hopeful of a strong weekend around the Baku Street Circuit.

“The most challenging part of the day was to make the tyres work, to get them hot enough,” admitted Raikkonen. “And obviously, when they are not performing 100%, it’s a bit tricky out there on the track.

“The car feels ok, but we still have to work on that. If you manage to do that, then everything is a lot easier.”

13769 posts

About author
Long time motorsport fanatic, covering Formula 1 and the occassional other series. Feel free to give him a follow on Twitter at @Paul11MSport.
Articles
Related posts
Formula 1

2024 Australian Grand Prix - TCF Driver of the Weekend

2 Mins read
TheCheckeredFlag Driver of the Weekend is revealed for the 2024 Australian Grand Prix.
Formula 1

2024 Australian Grand Prix – What the Team Principals are Saying after the Race

7 Mins read
The ten Team Principals reflect on drivers performances at Albert Park during Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix, a race that saw Ferrari claim their first win of 2024.
Formula 1

2024 Australian Grand Prix – What the Drivers are Saying after the Race – Part 2

7 Mins read
Those who missed out on points in Australia reflect on their races, including Max Verstappen, who retired from a Grand Prix for the first time since the same event in 2022.