Raikkonen stays hopeful for the race
Kimi Raikkonen is still hopeful about his chances for the Japanese Grand Prix despite being unable to secure a place on the front row
The Ferrari driver, winner of the last race in Spa two weeks ago, had to settle for third place behind the McLaren's of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
Raikkonen, who is 13 points behind Hamilton with three events to go, finished less than two tenths behind the Briton in the wet conditions.
Despite missing out on a front row start, the Finn is confident he has a car capable of fighting for victory in tomorrow's race.
"It was okay. I had traffic on last lap and we had a small problem with the gearbox so I hope we can fix it for tomorrow," said Raikkonen.
"I think we are in good shape. We don't know the weather but it is the same for everybody. The circuit is going to be different after the rain.
"I am confident we have good car for the race. I think it will be a tight race between all four cars."
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