Alfa Romeo Racing Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen put his private plane at the disposal of a motocross rider who had ended up in a coma after a bad accident in MXGP in 2020. Kimi founded his own racing team, ICE 1 Racing, in 2011, which later became one of the most famous teams in the MXGP paddock. And this year the team went through its most difficult moment, when one of its drivers had to fight for his life following an accident in Mantua.
Kimi Raikkonen is obviously too busy with his Formula 1 career to attend MXGP races every week. The Formula 1 driver, however, is very involved in the team, even if he does so by staying in the shadows.
Antti Pyrhönen, former motocross rider and close friend of Kimi Raikkonen, manages the daily affairs of what is now the Husqvarna factory team. And in a recent interview with the Gatedrop site, he explained how much Kimi is available in times of need. During the Lombardy Grand Prix, the talented Arminas Jasikonis suffered a terrible accident. For a few days, therefore, he was put in a state of induced coma due to a cerebral hematoma and respiratory problems.
“It was the darkest day of my career, both as a team manager and as a driver,” said Pyrhönen. “At that point, however, it was necessary to put aside all emotions and that everyone committed themselves to the interests of Arminas. I had to be strong for him.”
Kimi Raikkonen’s private plane
Jasikonis was flown to the nearest hospital by helicopter, but behind the scenes Pyrhönen did everything he could to help Jasikonis and his family. “One of the first things they wanted to do was get his parents to see him as soon as possible. With Kimi we decided to send his private plane to Lithuania to pick up Arminas’ father as soon as possible.”
Pyrhönen praised the support of his friend Kimi and that of the parent company KTM. “The support we received from Kimi, but also from Pit Beirer, Robert Jonass and Heinz Kinigardner of the KTM group, was particularly important.”
Jasikonis improves after the terrible accident
Jasikonis has improved a lot, according to when Pyrhönen revealed in the same interview: “The way he is recovering is really amazing. We know how strong he is physically and mentally. Ever since he woke up from a coma, his willpower has been really great. He also woke up earlier than the doctors expected.”
Jasikonis is now physically training in the gym and jogging. At the moment, however, it is not yet known when he will be able to return to the saddle. “I don’t want to set a date for this. We don’t know yet. But as I know Arminas, I think it will be pretty soon.”
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