McLaren driver Kimi Raikkonen, one of just two drivers to win a race this season bar newly crowned seven time world champion Michael Schumacher, has vowed that his victory at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit on Sunday will not be the last time he is in the spotlight this season.
There are four races remaining, Monza, Shanghai, Suzuka and Interlagos, and while the young Finn admires his rival for the brilliant feats he has achieved, however he is determined to continue the fight back and carry it on over into the 2005 season.
“I don’t think Michael is any quicker than me and I know I can beat him if I have the right car,” he said in the Sun. “I’m not trying to take anything away from what Michael has achieved but he has been fortunate in having a very reliable and very quick car — it makes a big difference. This latest win is more important for the team than for me because it should give them the confidence to fight for the title next season.”
Team boss Ron Dennis had tears in his eyes when his driver took the chequered flag on Sunday afternoon, especially after all the difficulties they have experienced this year. A multitude of retirements have kept Kimi out of the running, but Dennis is hoping that Sunday’s triumph is the start of greater things to come.
“We have won two titles against Michael with Mika Hakkinen at the wheel and Kimi has proved he can be a championship challenger given the right car,” Dennis said. “Michael has done a tremendous job but he’s certainly not invincible. Kimi’s win is particularly pleasing because it means Ferrari haven’t won all but one race in a season as we achieved in 1988. Hopefully this is the start of a new era for us — and Ferrari’s decline.”
;)
