Formula 1 news

Kimi down, but not yet out

Kimi Raikkonen has refused to give up the 2005 championship fight, even though Fernando Alonso's lead moved even further from his grasp at Monza. Ahead of Spa Francorchamps, the last European leg of the calendar, McLaren's Finn is still mathematically - if not realistically - able to triumph in the drivers' chase.

One thing, at least, is good news for the 25-year-old, even if the points tally and McLaren's reliability are not. His MP4-20 is clearly the fastest car in formula one. "The championship is still a real challenge for me," he said in a statement on Wednesday. "As the season has already shown, there is no guessing what will happen and nothing is over yet. There are still four races to be won this season and 40 points up for grabs."

Even 'F1 CEO' Martin Whitmarsh, though, admits that Raikkonen's engine and tyre dramas in Italy last Sunday made the already difficult task even more trying. But he insisted: "The opportunity for both championships is very much still there."

Meanwhile, McLaren confirmed that Alex Wurz would take over test colleague Pedro de la Rosa's 'Friday' seat at Spa.

more news

• 22 Mar.
  • Petrov remains calm as second race approaches
  • Kubica expecting better weekend in Australia
  • Stefan GP ends Toyota partnership
  • 'Red Bull is ridiculously fast' - Hamilton
  • Chandhok: I am a very quick learner
  • Access tunnel collapses at Spa
• 21 Mar.
  • Button: Melbourne should suit our package
  • Small upgrades expected for McLaren MP4-25
  • Hamilton predicting less problems in Melbourne
• 20 Mar.
  • FIA launches 2011 team selection process
  • Kobayashi hoping to be more competitive in Melbourne
  • Rosberg positive ahead of Australia
  • Sauber expecting more from Albert Park
• 19 Mar.
  • Kevin Magnussen signed up by McLaren
  • 'We should be more competitive in Melbourne' - de la Rosa
  • Mercedes not competitive enough, says Brawn
  • Lauda impressed by Schumacher comeback
  • Schumacher: Australia a highlight on the calendar
  • Montagny joins Superleague Formula
  • Webber hoping to finish ahead of Vettel
• 18 Mar.
  • Monza signs new F1 contract
  • McLaren buys back Mercedes shares
  • Massa never doubted physical condition
  • Coulthard to drive Red Bull in Belfast
  • Give regulations a chance, says Mallya
  • De la Rosa becomes Certina ambassador
• 17 Mar.
  • Cosworth pleased with F1 comeback
  • GPUpdate TV: Stefano Domenicali interview
  • Schumacher return boosts German TV ratings
  • Bruno Senna column: The season starts in Australia!
  • 'I put too much trust in US F1' - López
  • Button: McLaren will be stronger in Melbourne
  • Horner still hoping for two stops
  • Michael confident with Hülkenberg
• 16 Mar.
  • Ecclestone ponders return to America
  • Lotus eyes Toro Rosso and Sauber
  • Fry: Button must catch Hamilton
  • Di Resta to drive on Melbourne Friday
  • Coulthard slams Mosley's regulation ideas
  • Webber shocked by overtaking difficulties

Homepage