Raikkonen Unfazed by Renault Front Row
Kimi Raikkonen played down the importance of missing a front row start for tomorrow's season-ending Chinese Grand Prix
The Finn had to settle for third place behind Renault rivals Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella, who secured a front row lock-out for the French squad.
But Raikkonen, who seemed to be driving a very heavy car on his flying lap, is unfazed by his rivals' pace and confident his race strategy will help him secure his eighth win of the season.
"We knew before qualifying that we would struggle to get pole position today, but I don't think we have anything to worry about," said Raikkonen. "Our strategy should be strong and whilst the car was not perfect on the qualifying lap I'm confident that it will be as good as it has been throughout practice.
"Both Juan Pablo and myself are in strong positions to get the results we need to win the Constructors' World Championship."
Raikkonen's teammate Juan Pablo Montoya, the first man on track following his retirement from Japan, finished in fifth place.
"As a result of what happened in Japan last weekend I had to go out for my qualifying lap as number two which was really frustrating," said Montoya. "The lap was OK, but there was just no grip.
The circuit conditions continued to improve, so of course I'm disappointed as I know I could have probably been on the front row.
"My car is working well and if everything comes together I should be able to get the result we need."
McLaren are two points behind Renault in the Constructors' Championship.
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Kimi Raikkonen |
| Teams | Renault F1 Team |
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