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Raikkonen's day out with F1 fans

February 18 - 24, 2009
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Toyota, Ferrari and BMW geared up for the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship season with a second round of testing at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir this week as Ferrari's champion driver Kimi Raikkonen raced to Seef Mall for an autograph session.

As thousands of fans flocked to the BIC during the day to catch a glimpse of the three teams, motorsport enthusiasts lined up at Seef Mall's West Wing as the Finnish 'Iceman' met with fans of all ages to mark his visit to Bahrain for the testing sessions.

The Finn was seen stepping up to the autograph sessions to sign merchandise and memorabilia as well as to meet and greet fans during the 15-minute sitting.

Meanwhile, on the third day of testing, hundreds of fans attended the open day and got the chance to meet Toyota's Timo Glock aboard the dhow. Paddock Club guests also got to meet the German driver whilst being treated to hospitality and catering, as teammate Jarno Trulli headed out onto the dust-free circuit for the day.

The event also saw an open day for fans and an opportunity for all motorsport enthusiasts to witness some of the action as the sandstorms cleared up and the action headed back on track.

Raikkonen completed 104 laps throughout the day and finished with a best time of 1:33.325 minutes going past Trulli's 1:33.429 during his 126-lap run.

As for Christian Klien, BMW Sauber's test driver, he managed to clock 125 laps and finished with a best time of 1:33.666 minutes.

The testing sessions continue at the BIC until tomorrow.







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