Kimi al volante di una GP3!

Kimi Raikkonen tests GP3 car

Lotus Formula 1 driver Kimi Raikkonen made a surprise testing appearance at the wheel of a GP3 car on Friday at the Barcelona circuit.

The Finn, currently in second place in the Formula 1 standings behind Sebastian Vettel, took to the Spanish track with the GP3/13 car as part of a development test in preparation for 2014, according to the series.

The test was made possible thanks to Raikkonen’s relationship with Koiranen GP team boss Afa Heikkinen.

GP3 organisers said the purpose of the test was to find ways to offer more overtaking possibilities to the drivers in 2014.

Raikkonen completed a total of 58 laps with a best time of 1m34.780s, over half a second slower than the pole position time for this year’s race, which took place in May.

"I was curious to see how the car handled and it was actually fun to drive," said the Finn. "There were a few issues regarding its behaviour, but we managed to solve most of them.

"The GP3/13 is a very good tool for young drivers, especially when you have to learn about tyre management like we have in F1."

GP3 Series technical boss Didier Perrin said Raikkonen’s feedback had been very valuable.

"We are extremely pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Kimi today," he said.

"His experience and feedback were invaluable and they gave us a better understanding of what needs to be done in order to make our car a better tool in overtaking opportunities for next season.

"He has confirmed all our hypothesis, and together we could start working on two development directions for the end of season testing. We would like to thank Kimi for testing with us today and Koiranen GP for helping make this possible."

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Da Autosport.com

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Kimi lends a hand to the GP3 Series

Never afraid of trying something new if there’s the potential for fun, Lotus F1 Team driver Kimi Raikkonen today lent an experienced hand to the GP3 Series by testing the next generation of car in sunny Barcelona.

Kimi, a friend of Afa Heikkinen who has a team in the GP3 Series, offered to help out after following the team’s progress throughout the season. Kimi commented; "I was curious to see how the car handled and it was actually fun to drive. There were a few issues regarding its behaviour, but we managed to solve most of them."

Understanding the importance of feeder series for young drivers to achieve Formula One, Kimi also agreed that "the GP3/13 is a very good tool for young drivers, especially when you have to learn about tyre management like we have in F1."

Didier Perrin, the GP3 Series Technical Director was clearly delighted to have such an experienced set of hands behind the wheel; “We are extremely pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Kimi today. His experience and feedback were invaluable and they gave us a better understanding of what needs to be done in order to make our car a better tool in overtaking opportunities for next season. He has confirmed all our hypothesis, and together we could start working on two development directions for the end of season testing."

Kimi completed 58 laps for the Series at the Circuit de Catalunya in the one day programme, and set a best lap time of 1:34:780.

Da LotusF1.com