Raikkonen: I can learn nothing in the simulator
10 January, 2013
Kimi Raikkonen in the Lotus garage
Kimi Raikkonen has reiterated his aversion to sophisticated Formula One simulator technology which has replaced on track testing in the sport, insisting simply that he “learns nothing” at the wheel of a computerised cockpit.
An avowed fan of idol James Hunt’s bygone days, 2007 world champion Raikkonen has always sounded unenthusiastic when asked about the simulator technology that has replaced F1′s former days of expensive track testing.
That sparked rumours that, like Michael Schumacher, simulators give the famous Finn motion sickness, or that perhaps the former Ferrari and McLaren driver is claustrophobic.
Raikkonen’s new team, Lotus, has now developed a brand new simulator at its Enstone base, but it appears only teammate Romain Grosjean will be at the wheel.
“I just think that I can learn nothing in the simulator,” the 33-year-old is quoted by Switzerland’s Speed Week.
“I learn a new track quickly, without a simulator,” added Raikkonen.
Indeed, when Lotus’ new simulator was up and running prior to Austin last November, Grosjean lapped the virtual circuit many times but was still immediately outpaced in real life by Raikkonen, who got his first taste of the US layout in the Friday practice. (GMM)
Subbed by AJN.
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This guy has the most talent in the f1 grid
Simulators are for arcades.
Wooooooooord.
“Leave him alone. He knows what he’s doing” lol
Simulator can get you on the wrong foot. Driving style wise and setup wise.
Well at least he learned that he didnt learn anything from it
I don’t think any simulators are close enough to simulate the true F1 drive yes they are fantastic for an amateur and good for a guide but not good enough to replace track time and actual driving.
on track testing should be done 3x a year during the year.
You can’t simulate your bottom end sliding in the corners in a simulator and simulating G-Forces is impossible. Therefor the best simulators are a joke compared to the real thing. But for us, who will never drive a fast open wheel racer simulators, they are fun.
I believe him. There are too many variables of real life, that just cannot be simulated with current tehcnology. By driving the simulator, one just learns to drive the simulator.