30 Oct 2007
Championship glee continues for Raikkonen
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Before jetting off on a well-deserved holiday, newly-crowned world champion Kimi Raikkonen has spoken again of his joy at winning his maiden drivers’ title in Brazil last week. Raikkonen wrapped up a hectic celebratory tour at Ferrari’s traditional end of season event at the Mugello circuit in Italy on Sunday.
“It seems I can't stop smiling,” explained the Finn. “Wherever I go there are people who congratulate me. It seems that everybody in Italy is as happy as I am! Wednesday in Maranello was wonderful, when we celebrated the wins of the two Championships with everybody from the Scuderia. But I have to say that yesterday in Mugello was even better. In front of thousands of fans and numerous Ferrari clients.”
During the day’s festivities, the 28 year-old took to the track in his championship-winning F2007, wowing the 30,000 strong crowd with a demonstration run.
“When I was going to the race track in Tuscany I remembered the first time I drove a race car, back when I was driving in the Formula Renault and then my first race in Formula One with Peter Sauber,” he added. “I remember these feelings, but it is really something else driving the car, with which I just won the championship, here at Mugello: it was like a second triumph. I was really happy and very proud being part of the Ferrari family when I saw all the fans celebrating.”
“Now I'm on holiday. I'll try to chill out as much as I can and charge up my batteries. I'll try to forget Formula One a bit, but that will be difficult. This year was really special to me. I can say that I fell in love again with this sport.”
Raikkonen will not join Ferrari for the multi-team test in Barcelona in November but will be back in action in December to begin his preparations for the 2008 season.
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