KIMI RAIKKONEN

Home | News | Driver Profile | Official Site | Results in F1

Kimi seeks back-to-back British triumphs

Thursday 3rd July 2008

An upbeat Kimi Raikkonen is ready to clinch back-to-back British GP victories after shrugging aside his disappointment in France.

After failing to score any points in Monaco and Canada, Raikkonen appeared to be cruising to victory at Magny-Cours 10 days ago.

However, a cracked exhaust that eventually broke off later in the race culminated in the reigning World Champion finishing second to Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa.

Raikkonen is now within five points of Massa, who leads the Drivers' Championship by two from BMW's Robert Kubica, with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton 10 points adrift.

With Hamilton quickest at Silverstone in testing last week, 28-year-old Raikkonen is fully anticipating a Ferrari/McLaren duel at the weekend, as it was last year when he came out on top.

"We had a great race there last year, and obviously I would like the same result again," said Raikkonen.

"I did make a small mistake in qualifying when I ran wide in the last corner, just missing out on pole.

"But when you look at Hamilton's time - with fuel corrected - I was still quicker, and as soon as I had clear air and a clear track in the race, I was able to really push.

"Judging by the test last week it is going to be very tight between Ferrari and McLaren again.

"That is nothing new for me as both teams have always been able to build a good car for Silverstone.

"It will probably come down to hundredths of a second again as we fight for pole, and we will have to use every inch of the circuit in our favour.

"I'll do my very best to get pole as it's easier to control things when leading, as we saw in Magny-Cours.

"We missed out on winning, but I've put that behind me now, and I will go into the British Grand Prix in a very positive frame of mind as I should have won in France.

"The team are doing all they can to ensure there is no repeat of what happened in the race there."

Raikkonen's car will require an engine change, but without penalty as each driver is allowed a 'free' replacement.

That will at least allow Raikkonen to compete fairly and squarely on a circuit he loves.

"I have always had such a good feeling in going to Silverstone," added Raikkonen.

"It is a great place to race, and has been a good circuit for me since the beginning.

"When I raced there for the first time in Formula Renault it became a real favourite because it is so fast and demanding.

"And when you win at Silverstone it gives you such pleasure. You have to get everything exactly right.

"I don't know what it is, but I always feel very nostalgic when I go there. It's like going home."

Post to del.icio.us

E-mail Article Print-Friendly Version Subscribe to Kimi Raikkonen News RSS Feed