Raikkonen not Deterred by Interlagos

Despite many people branding the Brazilian Interlagos track as one of the most challenging in the Formula One calendar, Sauber's Kimi Raikkonen admits he is not deterred by the challenge that lies ahead of him at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Despite retiring at the Malaysian Grand Prix, the Finnish driver gained a sixth place in the season's opening race in Australia and is confident of keeping up his good form.

"Interlagos is another new circuit for me to learn," Raikkonen said. "It doesn't worry me to know that it is anti-clockwise and considered as one of the toughest of the year on the calendar.

"The track is difficult because it is very bumpy. It is a lot of work to find a special set up for that, unlike any other track in the F1 calendar. I'm looking forward to driving there, and to challenging again for some points."

German driver Nick Heidfeld has also had a positive start to his time with Sauber after coming home in fourth place in Melbourne, but knows that it's harder to predict how his team will fair on the difficult Interlagos circuit.

"I am definitely looking forward to racing at Interlagos," said Heidfeld.

"It's a different sort of track so it's difficult to predict how we will go. The weather is due to be more warm and sunny than in Australia and Malaysia, but the climate could also bring some rain.

"Interlagos is interesting too for tyres as the track is known to be bumpy. I also wish to find the quickest combination for qualifying."