Kimi: 'We did what we could'

The Finn is now seven points behind championship leader Schumacher with just two events left to run. However, Raikkonen is confident that McLaren will be more competitive at Indianapolis and Suzuka than it was at Monza.

"I think we did what we could today, but we were not quick enough to fight for the podium," said Raikkonen. "I was close to Rubens but not close enough to really have a go.

"Obviously I'm now seven points behind in the battle for the championship, so it is more difficult, but you never know what will happen in the next two races. We knews that Monza would be difficult, and overall to leave with points is positive particularly as we expect both Indianapolis and Suzuka to suit us better, so it's not over yet."

McLaren boss Ron Dennis said: "Our race pace was quite competitive, but our qualifying positions and the inevitable delays caused by back-markers really took away any opportunity to take advantage of our race strategy. However there are 20 points to race for and we are only seven behind so clearly it is possible to win. As always we will fight hard in the remaining two races."