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Kimi to get 'free' engine change

Wednesday 2nd July 2008

Kimi Raikkonen is set to change the engine in his Ferrari ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix but will do so without incurring a 10-place grid penalty.

The reigning World Champion suffered a broken exhaust last time out in France, a problem which ended his hopes of victory and gave way to concerns over the F2008's power unit, which was at the start of its standard two-race cycle but sustained damage as a result of the failure.

Raikkonen's mechanics will be able to replace the engine without punishment prior to Silverstone thanks to a new rule introduced at the start of 2008, which allows drivers one 'free' engine change in the course of a season.

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said: "As far as Kimi's engine is concerned and keeping the rules in mind, to avoid a penalty, I think that we will use a new unit to try to reduce the risk."

Domenicali revealed Ferrari again expect to be at the sharp end this weekend following on from their impressive one-two at Magny-Cours, when Felipe Massa benefited from Raikkonen's woes to claim his third win of the year.

"Obviously we want to add another success, but we know that we've got...motivated competitors, who will try everything," Domenicali added in an interview conducted by Ferrari's press office.

"Last week we had three very good test days here [at Silverstone] and we think that we're competitive.

"To win we have to be humble and keep our feet on the ground. We have to work concentrated and with great attention for detail. If we can manage that, we can add another good result."

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