Raikkonen seeks change of luck in Germany

The Finn has a dismal record at the Nurburgring, where he has retired from the lead twice. In 2005, his suspension broke on the final lap.

The Ferrari driver is hoping things will be different this year.

"I don't know what it is about Germany. I have never had any luck there during my entire Formula One career," said Raikkonen.

"I've always been competitive at the Nurburgring and at Hockenheim, but something always happened to stop me from winning. Let's hope that I can turn around things here my first time with Ferrari."

"I had one podium finish at the Nurburgring with my former team, but a couple of times I had to stop while I was leading in the race: that is a bad memory. Although I have to say that I like the place."

Raikkonen has won the last two races in France and Britain to revive his championship hopes, and is the main favourite to win this weekend's race.

The Finn, however, is staying cautious.

"I don't want to predict anything right now," he added. "We have to get on the track and give our best: then we'll see if it's enough to win the race. Up to now there are only two teams, which have won races. I guess that it will remain like that for the rest of the season. I'm glad to race in Germany for Ferrari.

"In the past I had the feeling that Michael (Schumacher) was almost invincible there. It looked as if whatever we did, a red car had to cross the line first. Now it's my turn to do the same. We are now starting the second half of the season and the pressure inevitably rises.

"We have to close the gap on our competitors, but there's still a lot of time left. Slowly but surely, race after race, we have to catch up: we will start doing that on Sunday at the Nurburgring."