Kimi Brasil

Lotus F1 Team driver Kimi Räikkönen made a special guest appearance at the InterSolar show in Munich on Thursday afternoon for a simulator driving session and award ceremony

Appearing as a guest of Lotus F1 Team partner Trina Solar, Kimi was in attendance at Munich’s InterSolar trade show to help showcase the solar panel manufacturer’s partnership with the team. As the largest industry exhibition in Europe, InterSolar attracts more than 80,000 visitors over three days, with a large portion of that crowd heading over to the Trina Solar stand on Thursday afternoon to catch a glimpse of the 2007 World Champion.

The Finnish star kicked things off by attending a press conference alongside members of Trina Solar senior management, before taking centre stage in the Lotus F1 Team simulator. After completing three laps of the Silverstone circuit – typically setting the fastest lap of the day in the process – Kimi took on the role of presenter, awarding prizes to the fastest three drivers from a two-day competition run by Trina Solar for their registered installers.

The prize for third fastest was a Lotus F1 Team shirt signed by both Kimi and team-mate Romain Grosjean, with second fastest receiving a pair of tickets for the German Grand Prix and the winner a pair of Paddock Club passes for the same event. No doubt a somewhat different experience compared to his regular schedule, the event gave Kimi a fresh insight into the complexities of solar technology:

“It’s interesting to be here with Trina Solar to see how they are using Formula 1 and to find out more about solar power. It can have really great benefits, as we can see with the team, and it’s something I’m actually personally interested in for the future.”

Mark Kingsley – Chief Commercial Officer of Trina Solar – was delighted to welcome the Finn to the event, and highlighted the close relationship with the team as a pioneering partnership within both the industry and sport:

“It’s been great having Kimi here with us today to showcase our partnership with Lotus F1 Team. As the first solar company to enter Formula 1 in 2010, we are leading the way in our industry with our joint activities with the team. We’re bringing tangible benefits to Enstone with initiatives such as our latest solar panel installation – which powers the team’s new simulator building – and our commitment to the Plant-for-the-Planet campaign.”

“Trina Solar is founded on innovation, quality, leadership and teamwork and we have found a like-minded strategic partner in Lotus F1 Team, with whom we also share a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.”