Kimi needs tank to win

[davewilson]

Ferrari's new Formula One car will have to be built like a tank to withstand the treatment Kimi Raikkonen dishes out, according to former Mercedes-McLaren engine expert Mario Illien.

"No one drives the machine harder, no one bangs it so hard lap after lap into the kerb," the Swiss, who left Formula One in 2005 and now has an Ilmor MotoGP team, told Sport Bild.

"Ferrari will have to build Kimi a tank if they want to win the title with him."

Raikkonen has moved from McLaren, who won no races last year for the first time in a decade, to replace retired seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher at Ferrari this season.

The 27-year-old Finn, twice an overall runner-up in the drivers' championship, suffered repeated engine failures in his time at McLaren. In 2003, he lost out to Schumacher by just two points.

Illien's Ilmor engines powered Finland's Mika Hakkinen to the 1998 and 1999 Formula One titles with McLaren while they have also won the Indy 500 on 11 occasions.

The Stig

[Dare]

   I have always wondered if Kimi was a carbreaker,
   perhaps if Ferr. start having many breaksdowns
   next year my question will be answered

[romephius]

Well he is no Takuma Sato.......with the blood curdling call of "death to engines".  I have never seen a single driver have that many engine failures.  Of course I am talking a few seasons ago.

[davewilson]

Somehow i think the car will stand up to everything Kimi can throw at it.
It would not dare to let him down?

The Stig

[Dare]

Somehow i think the car will stand up to everything Kimi can throw at it.
It would not dare to let him down?

The Stig

I wonder if Kimi puts any thought
in the Stigtismn of negative comments
on his driving skills

[davewilson]

I doubt it dare,but enjoyed the play on words.

Cheers:

The Stig