'Now I need it more than ever'

2008-09-04 07:30

Belgium - Defending Formula One world champion Kimi Raikkonen has insisted he can retain his crown this year despite a string of unimpressive results.

As he began his preparations for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, the laconic Ferrari driver repeated that he believes he is not out of contention and can overcome both his teammate Felipe Massa and McLaren's Lewis Hamilton to take the title.

Raikkonen is currently 13 points behind leader Hamilton with Ferrari teammate Brazilian Massa second behind him.

He is without a win since April.

But this weekend he believes he should be treated as the favourite after having won the last three races on the majestic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the Belgian Ardennes.

And he thinks that another win on one of his favourite tracks can launch him towards a late run that would see him take the title from Hamilton, just as he did last year.

"We're on the eve of one of the race weekends I really like," said Raikkonen. "The Belgian Grand Prix is one of the highlights of the season for me and I usually obtain a good result at Spa.

Engine failure

"Now I need it more than ever, after the results of the last races. The last race, for example, was one of those one should forget as fast as possible."

Raikkonen suffered a spectacular engine failure on his Ferrari at the European Grand Prix in Valencia.

"For me, it's a shame to be involved in so many negative stories, but these things happen - it wasn't for the first time, and it might not have been the last in my career.

"You just have to know how to cope with these situations.

"When I was in school, it was never nice to get back home with a bad mark, and the only thing you could do was work harder for the next time.

"Today, the only thing I can do is to react to this negative situation. I think that the outcome of the qualifying will be fundamental."

While Raikkonen is determined, both Massa and Hamilton are trying to remain cool and calm as they go into the final part of the season.

'Good memories'

"Last year, I finished second in Belgium," said Massa, who has repeated his belief that Raikkonen remains a threat for the title. "In the past, I had a fourth place when I was driving for Sauber.

"I have particularly good memories of last year, when we had a competitive car and the team got a one-two finish, so I hope we can repeat that performance and have a car that is good enough to keep ahead of the McLarens which, of course, is our main target at the moment.

"However, I will also be hoping to be ahead of my teammate - but Kimi has always been quick at Spa, and not just in F1, as he was also a winner here in the junior categories.

"He has won the last three Grands Prix at this track so, for sure, it won't be easy to beat him, but I am looking forward to a good battle with my teammate. The F2008 car should be competitive and our aim will be to bring home as many points as possible."

While the Ferrari men were oozing confidence, in spite of two successive engine failures in recent races, McLaren were keeping a low profile.

Hamilton and his teammate Finn Heikki Kovalainen are both aware that another two good solid races in Belgium and then a week later in Italy could give them a good position in the title race.

Hamilton is expected to be fully fit again after his recent flu and neck problems.

- AFP