Raikkonen ’learns nothing’ in simulators

Kimi Raikkonen has clarified his aversion to sophisticated formula one simulator technology, insisting he simply "learns nothing" at the computerised wheel.

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 Friday practice.