Wednesday, June 18, 2008

KIMI STARVED OF SUCCESS

KIMI STARVED OF SUCCESS

Raikkonen - wants to win.

Kimi Raikkonen is determined to satisfy his "great lust for winning" after drawing a blank in his last two grands prix.

Raikkonen initially crashed his Ferrari into the back of Adrian Sutil's Force India in Monaco last month.

Then, nine days ago in Canada, the reigning world champion had McLaren's Lewis Hamilton drive into from behind in the pit lane at 30mph.

The two accidents means Raikkonen's seven-point lead heading into the race in Monte Carlo has become a seven-point deficit to new world championship leader Robert Kubica.

The Finn is now desperate to stand on top of the podium again as he said ahead of this weekend's French Grand Prix: "I don't remember when I had such a great lust for winning.

"The team had prepared a car, which was able to be strong on all the tracks, but it didn't go well during the last races.

"I don't like looking back and thinking about what happened at the last race.

"I don't carry bad thoughts with me because that would just make me lose time, and you can't change the result anyway.

"It's much better to concentrate on the upcoming GP and try to get the best result possible."

Raikkonen is hoping that, as last season, he will again be able to turn his fortunes around at the Magny-Cours circuit by taking the chequered flag.

"I think things will look really different at Magny-Cours compared to the last GPs," added Raikkonen.

"It was in France last year my season practically started all over again, and this is what I need now after two races with no points.

"I like the track and I think it's perfect for our car, so I think we'll be competitive and we can go for the maximum result."

After winning the title by a point last year, Raikkonen knows just how costly failing to score in the last two races could be come the end of the season.

With the championship wide open between Kubica, Raikkonen, Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa and Hamilton, every point will again count.

"All the races are important, and one point can make all the difference like in 2007," assessed Raikkonen.

"This year, the championship is just as equally balanced, and that is the reason why you always need to bring home something."

And even though Hamilton will start the race on Sunday with a 10-place grid penalty after his gaffe in Montreal, Raikkonen is refusing to rule him out of the reckoning.

"Hamilton will start further back due to the penalty, but you should never underestimate McLaren," warned Raikkonen.

"So we have to give our best to keep them behind."



  • RAIKKONEN: FERRARI BETTER EQUIPPED
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  • KUBICA SHOWS TITLE CREDENTIALS
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