Raikkonen predicts difficult weekend

The Finn finished down in 18th position in the second session, with team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella completing a poor day for the Italian squad by setting the slowest time.

Both Raikkonen and Fisichella admitted they were struggling with their cars in the second sector.

"I'd say this Friday was not too different to others we have experienced this season, especially in recent races," said Raikkonen. "It's all very close so it will only take a small step forward to climb back up the order, but we are definitely facing a difficult weekend.

"The tyres suffered with a bit of graining, which made itself felt especially in the second sector, but I believe that, as often happens here, once the track rubbers in, the situation will improve."

Fisichella reckons the team will not be able to afford any mistakes in qualifying tomorrow if they are to make it past Q1.

"Eighteenth and twentieth places in FP2 is not a result we can be happy about but, to use a footballing expression, it's all looking very tight, as it has been in fact for much of the year," he said. "On top of that, we are also working a lot for 2010 which makes it even harder to understand precisely where we stand compared to the others.

"We are really struggling in the second sector, where what counts the most is aerodynamic downforce, an area in which the F60 does not really excel.

"Tomorrow, it will be vital not to make the slightest mistake to try and get a good qualifying result: here it will only take a tenth or even less to fail to make it past Q1."