Report: Räikkönen saves Ferrari’s honor…

After this weekend of racing in Valencia, everyone is asking one question: Was it the right decision to entrust the second F60 single-seater to Luca Badoer? It had been ten years since he last appeared on a circuit as a race driver, and is his result worthy of a Ferrari driver? In any case, he delivered a poor performance by finishing only 17th, knowing that two drivers retired. He acknowledges that the entire team and Schumacher were supporting him, and one cannot even imagine the result otherwise!

Fortunately, in these difficult times, the Scuderia can still count on Kimi Räikkönen, who steps onto a new podium with 3rd place. The next step is now a victory, which would be welcome in order to maintain 3rd place in the Constructors’ standings, as the McLaren team is becoming very pressing…

Kimi Räikkönen – 3rd:

« I am happy with this result. Already on Friday, we saw that the car was very competitive and we thought we could fight for a podium. We were also aware that, in qualifying, we could contend, especially with fuel levels. These two predictions proved accurate, and today we were once again able to secure a podium. I managed to gain a few places at the start and my first goal was to create some distance from Rosberg, who would pit after me. In the second part of the race, I realized I could overtake Kovalainen and I tried to make the most of the race and pit stops to get ahead of him, which I did. We are heading to Spa, a circuit I really like: we have to wait until Friday to see our competitiveness. At this stage of the season, if we can stay focused, then we can aim for the podium and maybe do better. We must do everything possible to hold on to the third place in the Constructors’ Championship. »

Luca Badoer – 17th:

« I said upon my arrival in Valencia that this Grand Prix would be difficult for me, as I needed time to get back into the swing of things and regain confidence in the role of a race driver. It was important for me to complete as many kilometers as possible without making significant mistakes. Physically, I feel good, and that’s another reason for satisfaction. I made a good start. I tried to run my own race, but it’s not easy to maintain a steady pace. During the first pit stop, I made an error that cost me a place and then I just received a drive-through penalty. Now, I’m looking forward to Spa, which I approach with confidence: it’s a track I know, and I will also be able to rely on the experience gained this weekend. Thanks to the whole team, who do everything they can to make me comfortable without putting me under pressure, and to Michael, who was a great support throughout the weekend. »

Stefano Domenicali – Team Principal:

« Today, we did our best with Kimi [Räikkönen], who delivered an incredible race with this podium as the result. He was very competitive throughout the race, attacking at key moments at the beginning and then when the opportunity arose to, for example, get ahead of Kovalainen. Luca [Badoer] managed to finish the race, thus completing his learning experience this weekend, which served as a rehearsal before approaching the Belgian weekend in the best possible way next weekend. It is clear that, given our choices and those of the other teams in terms of developing the 2009 car, our goal is to maintain third place in the constructors’ standings. We will do our best as we can expect to be more competitive on other circuits. »