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Hunt helmet a 'nice design' - Raikkonen

ESPNF1 Staff
May 25, 2012
Kimi Raikkonen wore a James Hunt-style helmet on Thursday © Sutton Images
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Kimi Raikkonen said he wore a helmet in the style of 1976 world champion James Hunt during Thursday practice simply because he likes the design.

Raikkonen surprised the paddock with the helmet design, which he wore on Thursday until rain in second practice required a switch to a clear visor. Just like Hunt's original helmet, it featured the British driver's name in white block capitals on a black background with red blue and yellow stripes. Raikkonen has been known to enter snowmobile and powerboat races under the alias 'James Hunt' in order to avoid media attention.

After completing Thursday practice, Raikkonen said of the helmet: "I think it's just a different design, a nice design."

Asked if Hunt was a hero of his, he added: "I've always said that there is no hero, but it was a nice time [the 1970s] when they were racing. A different way of doing things."

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