Kimi Wants to Celebrate 30th Anniversary with Podium in Brazil

Despite the fact that he'll leave Ferrari at the end of the season, Kimi Raikkonen wants nothing more for his 30th anniversary than to score at least a podium in the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Finn will turn 30 on Saturday and revealed that he will do everything in his power to secure Ferrari a Top 3 finish, especially since the Scuderia is currently fighting to keep their 3rd spot in the constructors' classification (ahead of rivals McLaren).

“I’ll celebrate my 30th birthday on Saturday. A place on the podium would be a great present, but (...) also our competitors have to contribute to it somehow. We’ll try to keep the third position in the Constructors’ standings. For my birthday celebrations I’ll wait until I’m back in Europe to celebrate with my friends and my family,” said Raikkonen for the Ferrari official site.

The soon-to-be-30 Finn will return to the place where he clinched his first world title in Formula One, back in 2007. While admitting the Interlagos track brings back some of the best memories in his F1 career, Kimi reckons Ferrari are not as strong as they were a couple of years ago.

“There’s no doubt that this track is connected to the most wonderful memory of my career. Two years ago I won the Drivers’ title here in Brazil, but I did well many more times, gaining five times a place on the podium. Traditionally the Interlagos circuit has always been favourable to Ferrari and we really hope that this will be true also this year, although we know that it will be difficult,” added the Ferrari-an.

Raikkonen also tipped his mechanics with what they should be focusing on during the course of the upcoming weekend, arguing that the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) and car's balance will play a decisive role in a scoring a good result in Brazil.

“The crucial point will be the aerodynamic downforce, but at the same time it’s important to have a stable car while braking. The last corner is very important, because it leads onto the long uphill straight leading to the main straight: the KERS should help us a lot there.”