Dennis Says Raikkonen Fall-Off was Expected

Kimi Raikkonen's apparent drop in form since he signed for McLaren was to be expected, team boss Ron Dennis has said.

"Nothing is happening that (Mercedes motorsport head) Norbert (Haug) and I didn't predict," Dennis said at the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Finnish rookie, who joined Sauber this year after just 23 single-seater car races, was outqualified by more experienced German teammate Nick Heidfeld at Suzuka, albeit by only a small margin.

"I'm sure the position in the team with respect of Kimi is not as comfortable as it was before he asked to be released from his contract," said Dennis.

Raikkonen will start 12th on Sunday, two places behind Heidfeld. The 21-year-old has now been pipped by Heidfeld in qualifying in the three races since his move to McLaren was announced on the eve of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza last month.

He also failed to finish the last race at Indianapolis following a second lap accident. Before Monza, the Finn had outqualified his teammate in exactly half of the races and scored nine points.

"To give 100 percent you need to be in the right environment," said Dennis. "If you feel uncomfortable with the atmosphere, it can easily affect your driving. I think understandably the team (Sauber) hasn't been as focused on his car as would be the case if he was driving for them next year.

"Whatever his performance has been since Monza, we both believe they are to do with the normal reduction of pace that you see in a car in which the driver's place has changed," he added. "He's got the speed and performance and we're not worried about it."

Raikkonen is taking over from compatriot Mika Hakkinen at McLaren next year. The two times World Champion is taking a year's break from Formula One to spend more time at home with his family.