Raikkonen Blames Traffic for Losing Time

McLaren-Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen claimed that traffic cost him the chance of fighting Michael Schumacher for victory at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Raikkonen stormed off into the lead after starting from pole position in McLaren's new MP4-19B car and led until Ferrari's Schumacher stayed out longer and gained sufficient time to retain his lead.

But Raikkonen, who was on a three-stop strategy compared to Schumacher's two, was left stuck in traffic after exiting the pitlane during his stops and the Finn believes it cost him the chance to rival Schumacher for victory.

"The start was very good. I just went as quick as I could and I got a big gap," Raikkonen said. "I was a bit unlucky with the traffic, I was like stuck behind two Minardis after the first pitstop and it just cost me way too much time.

"Every time I came out with new tyres I was always stuck behind someone, but that is racing. I couldn't use my new tyres, really, to gain more time. I got close to Michael but not past him."

Raikkonen was also unable to grasp his opportunity after the safety car was deployed following Jarno Trulli's accident after losing time overtaking the lapped cars of Christian Klien and Cristiano da Matta at the re-start.

But last year's World Championship runner-up, who had not finished on the podium since the season-ending Japanese Grand Prix last year, did not give up hope.

"I didn't give up before we finished the race," he said. "But I'm pleased we got the second place in the end. Of course it was good, nice feeling, to be back racing for the podium. For me and the team, for Mercedes, for everybody it is a good result because after a really difficult start to the season.

"I would be much more happier to be in first place but we cannot get everything straight away. So we need to still keep working hard and then hopefully by the end of the season we are in the position where we really can challenge for a win at every race. That what we're aiming for."