Raikkonen: error cost me front row slot

The Finn had been expected to be teammate Felipe Massa's main challenger for pole position at Magny-Cours, but in the end he fell two tenths short to see McLaren's Lewis Hamilton knock him off the front row.

But with Ferrari at least showing improved form after some difficult recent races, Raikkonen was philosophical about his situation.

"There have been some hard times but we just try to improve the car all the time," he said.

"It seems better now. We seem to be more competitive but it's pretty close and we'll see what happens tomorrow. I lost time on one corner, but that's my fault and so there is no point complaining."

With the weather conditions for tomorrow's race uncertain, Raikkonen said he was not worried whether it rained or not - as he expected Ferrari to be strong no matter what was thrown at them.

"I think we have a good car. It wasn't a perfect lap, but I think the race will be different tomorrow.

"It will make it much more complicated for everybody if it is wet, probably a bit more interesting, but we will wait and see what happens."