Raikkonen receives factory backing for post-F1 project

Kimi Raikkonen's motocross team has received factory backing from Kawasaki as the Finn takes on the role of team principal.

For the coming season, Raikkonen's Kawasaki Racing Team will compete in the Motocross Grand Prix championship that is sanctioned by FIM.

Raikkonen had hinted prior to leaving the F1 paddock that he could seek to focus more on his motocross team.

“It’s no secret that, for me, one of my great passions in life for many years has been motocross but this team is not what you might call a hobby; it’s very serious, very focused and we aspire to be the best we possibly can," said Raikkonen.

"Now I have retired from racing I will be able to spend more time on this project; not on the daily issues but more from a strategic point of view using my experience of how teams work and what creates success on the world stage."

Raikkonen will share the leadership role with former motocross winner Antti Pyrhonen with both sharing an involvement in the sport for 10 years as IceOneRacing.

In its first year, the team ran private Kawasaki machinery but this will be the first time Raikkonen's team has enjoyed full factory backing.

"Everyone including myself is delighted that Kawasaki has chosen us to be the Factory team," added Raikkonen.

"I know that the chance of success is always greater with direct factory support so this translates into a great opportunity for us as the new Kawasaki Racing Team in MXGP.”

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