Raikkonen Aims to Win Races in 2002

Despite being only 21 years old and about to start only his second season in Formula One, Finn Kimi Raikkonen says he expects to win races in 2002 if his car is capable of doing it.

Raikkonen impressed in his rookie season with the Sauber team, scoring nine points with the Ferrari-powered C20, and at the Italian Grand Prix it was announced that he would replace compatriot and two-time World Champion Mika Hakkinen at McLaren in 2002.

After only 17 Grands Prix, Raikkonen, who will partner Scot David Coulthard at the Woking-based outfit next season, says he is ready to start winning races and hopes to become the youngest ever champion.

"It would be cool to be the youngest driver ever to win the Drivers' World Championship, and with McLaren I have that chance," Raikkonen said on the team's website. "I expect to win races with the team if I drive well enough and I think that the West McLaren Mercedes MP4-17 will be good enough for that.

"I believe that it's something the team is also expecting from me. Otherwise, at this moment in time, I don't really know what to expect from them, but I'm really looking forward to next year.

"This year I had a good car and engine package at Sauber and I learned lots of things, but somehow I have a feeling that working with one of the best teams in F1 it will be different in a more positive way."