At Rally Sweden there wasn't a single journalist who didn't try to get an exclusive interview with Kimi Räikkönen.
Citroën Junior Team driver Kimi Räikkönen spent the whole race trying to avoid the formal interviews at the finish line and ran away from reporters into the service park tent of Citroën.
Unbelievably enough, journalists from WRC became real paparazzi overnight, running after Kimi to the service park. And then the questions arose, how to talk to Kimi without arising his negative emotions?
Lina Arnautova photographed Räikkönen and his cute smile for three days without asking anything, just wishing him luck in the service park and the Citroën tent.
Mechanics said that after Formula 1, Kimi is deeply distrusting of the press, rumours and paparazzi. Along the way, the team explained that at the finish of three stages he would be asked questions mainly about the route, but Kimi has not adapted yet.
It seemed that Kaj Lindström isn't only Kimi's co-driver, but also his press rep. With that in mind, I decided to start a conversation with him.
The decision was a good one: at the end of the rally, Lina went to Räikkönen's car and asked Kaj to answer some questions for the Russian fans. Kaj came out of the car amicably, suggesting that Lina took his place to talk to Kimi.
Lina Arnautova: In Russia, you have a lot of fans, and of course they're all interested in this, how are you adapting to rally?
Kimi Räikkönen: It was a very good experience for me. It seems to me I'm getting to know the car and getting some good experience with the notes. I'm glad we have successfully completed the rally.
LA: Is there a difference in the atmosphere between rally and F1?
KR: The asmosphere here is totally different! It's a completely different world!
LA: What was most difficult for you at this rally?
KR: I didn't have a good start, I made mistakes and couldn't find the right style of driving. But as the event rolled, I became more confident. It's very difficult to follow the notes. I have mixed feelings and you're not alone in the car. But I liked it very much.
Kaj Lindström (through the open door): Kimi is quickly progressing, he impressed me greatly. He is showing excellent speed - it comes from somewhere inside. He still puts on quite a show!
LA: And the fans? Not as crazy as the F1 ones?
KR: Fans - they are fans. They're just as crazy, like everywhere else! Are you from Russia? Russia is a very big country and I am glad that I have fans who are supporting me there in rally as well as in Formula 1. Tell them thanks!
Source: AlmRally - Lina Arnautova, Rally Sweden 2010
Thanks: Anelise
Translation/adaptation from Russian: Fran
