Raikkonen confident he will win today

The Woking-based outfit have not won a race since last year's Japanese Grand Prix and have been unable to match the pace of Renault and Ferrari so far this season.

But after taking pole position, Raikkonen thinks that for the first time this year the team are in the running to return to the top step of the podium.

"Yes, I think so," he said when asked whether he believed he could win. "We are in a position that we think we can win the race.

"It's different this time, as we had as much fuel as we wanted at this race. We're on pole and I think the car will be really strong in the race."

Team boss Ron Dennis is equally bullish about Raikkonen's chances - especially because front row starter Felipe Massa may be more concerned with helping teammate Michael Schumacher than fighting for the win.

"I think some of the teams are going to be driving to help their teammates," explained Dennis. "If we get into the first corner first, I would imagine that we'd be able to open up a gap. That gap is critical to winning a race.

"When the tyres are marginal, when you're in a procession, you inevitably lose front downforce and that compounds front tyre problems. Where we are is the best chance of winning the race. There is no reason why not."

Sunday morning's rain showers make it likely that this afternoon's race will be wet - adding further complications for teams on a weekend when dry tyres have suffered bad graining because of lower than expected temperatures.