Formula One news

Raikkonen not worried about championship chances

Reigning Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen remains optimistic after a disappointing result in Monaco. It was the first time in the 2008 Formula One season where the Ferrari driver failed to score any points, while his rival Lewis Hamilton won the race and took the lead from the Finn in the championship standings.

"I said at the beginning of the season that I expect the title to be assigned at the last moment," Raikkonen said. "A third of the season has passed, we have 35 points and we are on the second place. It's more or less what I expected. Nothing has been won and nothing has been lost. There is no point in panicking after the race at Monaco, because compared to last year the situation is much better. I won't change anything in my approach for the upcoming weekend. The designated target is to win and we will give our best.

"The preparations specifically for the Canadian GP were planned for the last day at Le Castellet, where we had some tests. Unfortunately it rained that day and we couldn't do much; but we're all on the same level now. Ferrari has a great tradition in Canada and I expect that it will be really balanced there.

"At Montreal the stability during braking and when you go over the curbs is extremely important. The F2008 improved a lot in these areas compared to last year's car. Obviously we have to wait until the first Free Practice session on Friday to get it confirmed. I don't remember a GP, which hadn't been neutralized and I expect that also for next Sunday. If that happens we have to be really cautious with our strategy, because of the balance in the field. With the actual rules luck is really important under these circumstances if you want to win. Well, let's hope that if the safety car has to be employed it will be at an opportune moment for us."

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