Sunday, May 27, 2012

2007 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen

Hot Wheels 1:18 2007 Ferrari F2007 China GP Kimi Raikkonen


Two years ago, I decided to collect world championship cars from 2007 F1 season onward. (Not necessarily a version from the last race of the season) I decided to start from 2007 season because of 3 reasons. First, I was not following F1 religiously until 2007. Second, I never like the color and liveries of Renault cars (R25 and R26) as driven by Alonso. Although I am sure many will argue that it is very nice. It is just my opinion. And third, it will be very expensive if I started collecting from earlier years :). I think the 3rd reason was the biggest factor for my decision!

This model is a 1:18 version of F2007 during the Chinese Grand Prix as driven to victory by Kimi Raikkonen. The model was produced by Hot Wheels to commemorate the 200th GP victory of Ferrari.




Kimi won the 2007 F1 season by beating Lewis Hamilton by 1 point. For some time, the championship was put into doubt when an investigation was raised by F1 stewards because of fuel irregularities in the cars of Rosberg, Kubica and Heidfield who all finished the Brazil race ahead of Lewis. If the 3 drivers were to be disqualified or penalized, that would put Lewis in 4th place during the Brazil GP which will then make Lewis the champion. However, it was decided that the 3 drivers will not be sanctioned or penalized. Thus, ensuring Kimi's legacy as an F1 world champion.





When I purchased this model via ebay, it was already customized to have the tobacco liveries used by Ferrari during the 2007 Chinese GP.



Here are the last set of pictures for this model showing the presentation made by Hot Wheels. It is limited to 5000 pieces and is seating on a special base presentation. If you look closely at the base, supposedly all the 200 GP won by Ferrari were inscribed on it.



Lastly, just a couple of few stats from Kimi's championship season. 6 Race wins, 3 Pole positions, 12 Podiums, 110 Points and 1st place in driver's championship.

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