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"I'll arrive with a positive approach at
Silverstone, because I know that I should
have won in France," says Kimi Raikkonen
ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix,
"I'll use a new engine because the Team
doesn't want to risk anything." Photo:
Raikkonen on the podium at Magny-Cours ten
days ago. |
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"I always
like coming back to Silverstone. It's a great track and
it has always been working out for me since the
beginning of my career," says Kimi Raikkonen ahead of
this weekend's British Grand Prix. "I've raced the first
time here when I was in Formula Renault and it was my
preferred track: fast and demanding. Winning at
Silverstone gives you a great feeling, because to get
there you have to do everything perfectly. I did it with
Formula Renault and last year with Ferrari. It's one of
the fastest and most difficult tracks on the race
calendar. I don't know why, but I'm a bit nostalgic
every time I come back. I like being here whatever the
weather is like. At least that's the same for everybody.
"We've done some tests here last week. There was lots of
wind and it was quite difficult to test all the new
parts we brought with us. But I think that we've taken a
small step ahead and it seems to me that the car is very
competitive.
"Last year it went very well for us at Silverstone and
obviously I'd like to repeat that result! I made a small
mistake in Qualifying, when I took the last corner too
wide and I lost the Pole Position, but once we had
considered the fuel on board I was still faster than
Hamilton. Then with the empty track ahead I could give
it all and win the race.
"As far as we can tell after our tests last week there
will be a tough fight between us and McLaren. That's not
a surprise because traditionally these two teams always
went well here in England. It will be about tenths of a
second again. We'll fight for Pole Position and this
time we need to use the track to our advantage.
"I'll give it all to stay ahead in Qualifying. Starting
from the Pole does make the race much easier, as we
could see at Magny-Cours. I didn't win there, but I've
already archived the disappointment. I'll arrive with a
positive approach at Silverstone, because I know that I
should have won in France. I'll use a new engine because
the Team doesn't want to risk anything, although the
rules say that you will not be punished if you have to
change the engine.
"It's almost half way through the season now and there
were ups and downs. That's quite normal and we are in a
good position to fight for the title. I hope to win more
races in the second half of the season, because we have
a great car, able to fight for victory everywhere."
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