Raikkonen says motivation has never been an issue with him

Pakistan Telegraph (ANI) Monday 6th February, 2012

Former world champion Kimi Raikkonen has rubbished claims made by his critics that he has lost passion for Formula One.

The 2007 world champion seemed less than completely involved in his last year at the top level with Ferrari in 2009. Since then two so-so years in the World Rally Championship, he had done little to improve his reputation.

Raikkonen believes if he lacked motivation for Formula One, then he would have put a halt on his racing career.

"There's always talk about my motivation, written by people who don't know me and couldn't have an idea on how strong my motivation is," said Raikkonen.

If I didn't feel I had the motivation, I would stop. I've never had issues with it," he added.

He claimed he drove some of his best races in 2009 and was 'very happy' with his performance.

"I think people expect things from me. But as long as I know I'm giving 100 per cent and I'm happy with my driving, then I'm happy," he said. (ANI)