Raikkonen the Best in 2003, Says Haug

Kimi Raikkonen was the driver of the 2003 season following his unexpected tilt at the world title, according to Mercedes motorsport director Norbert Haug.

McLaren-Mercedes driver Raikkonen was not among the favourites to trouble Ferrari's Michael Schumacher but he remained in contention for a maiden World Championship at the season-ending Japanese Grand Prix.

The Finnish driver claimed his first Grand Prix victory in the Malaysian Grand Prix and cored 10 podium finishes - including seven second places - and Haug believes Raikkonen has been the man of the season.

"For me he was the driver of the year compared to everyone, no doubt," Haug told Autosport magazine of the young Finn, who eventually finished second to Michael Schumacher in the drivers' standings this season.

"We know Michael is a very high benchmark but just look at the points standings. Kimi did not have the best technical package at each and every race, but he made the best of it. He did not score his points by luck. We do need to make a step on the technical package.

"Then we should be there. Other people will improve their packages, there is no doubt about that, but I have no worries whatsoever about Kimi."