Raikkonen downbeat on victory chances

The Finn, leaving for Ferrari at the end of the season, is still seeking his first victory of the year to prevent a first win-less season in a decade for McLaren.

Raikkonen came close in China last weekend before he was forced to retire with throttle problems.

After setting the 10th fastest time on Friday at Suzuka, the McLaren driver admitted he is not feeling positive of clinching victory there.

"We try to win every race but we haven't been able so we will see what we can do here," Raikkonen, last year's winner in Suzuka, told reporters at the Japanese Grand Prix.

"I don't think so," he said of his chances of winning. "Last year we had a much better car than this year, and if we have done well in some races last year it doesn't mean we are going to do it this year. For sure it is going to be very difficult this weekend but we will try.

"I haven't been a big fan of the place (Suzuka)," the Finn added.