Raikkonen Promises 2009 Comeback

Despite his horrible form in the second half of the season, Kimi Raikkonen promised the Scuderia fans that he will be up for the challenge to regaining the world title next year. The Finn blamed most of his dying form on the car setup and bad luck throughout the last few races but sees no reason why this couldn't change in 2009.

“For sure I've had other moments like this in the past. It's part of the game. Then you happen to have a good result and so, from one week to the next, the same people that were saying you were incapable start talking differently about you all of a sudden... It's not the first time,” said the reigning world champion, clearly aiming at his media critics in Italy.f

He continued by trying to name some of the reasons that caused his dropping form after the Belgian Grand Prix: “This year there have been problems, perhaps originating from certain decisions, and when we went back it was too late. Maybe this has cost us the season, but at least we've learned something for next year”.

“We changed the car a bit, and probably this wasn't good for me. So we went back, I think at Spa, and things went much better. But at that point we were already behind, it was too late. However I feel good with the car at least, even though it isn't always the way I'd like it to be. Sometimes it goes well, other times it's difficult to make it consistent performance-wise. But what we've learned will be useful next year too. I know we'll have different cars and tires, but certain things remain the same”.

The Finn also admitted that he will play the lieutenant role for Massa just as the Brazilian did last season to try and keep both titles in Ferrari's yard for 2008. Despite the 5-point deficit, Kimi still thinks his teammate can win the first F1 title of his career.

“Hamilton is in a better position points-wise, but things can change quickly. Who knows, maybe the others will crash again, like on Sunday. I wouldn't have bet on my chances to win the title last year. It would be nice for Felipe and for the team, if he could do it. But for me, for my points table, it doesn't change things anymore”.

With 2 races to go in the season, Massa is currently 2nd overall in the drivers' classification, 5 points behind title rival Lewis Hamilton and 7 points clear of 3rd place Robert Kubica. In the constructors' standings Ferrari regained top spot after the Japanese Grand Prix, now holding a 7-point advantage over rivals McLaren.