Formula One world champion
Kimi Raikkonen insists that he is not allowing himself to get too disappointed by his result in the recent British Grand Prix, claiming that potentially his 'most difficult' race could have done greater damage to his hopes of adding a second title.
The Finn, who went into the
Silverstone round third in the championship after an exhaust problem robbed him of victory in the French Grand Prix, appeared to be on course for a decent haul of points, both after pre-race testing and again when he closed in on leader
Lewis Hamilton approaching the first pit-stops on Sunday.
Ferrari, however, erred on strategy and Raikkonen, saddled with used tyres in increasingly treacherous conditions, faded enough to miss the podium for the first time in six Silverstone appearances.
"It was a very difficult race," he admitted, "We didn't expect the rain to become more intense immediately after our pit-stop, but that's what happened and we found ourselves in one of the worst possible situations for nine endless laps.
"I don't think I've ever driven a Formula One race under such difficult conditions. It was almost impossible to stay on the track with used tyres and so much water. Although going slow, I was aquaplaning almost everywhere! I just hoped not to bump into someone or something.
"But, as usual, one should never give up and that's what me and the team did. Once we had changed the tyres, the situation was under control and I could make up ground. It was a great feeling to get back into the points so fast. Then there was the battle with [Fernando] Alonso for fourth position. It was a very important point to compete for but, while I didn't want to risk too much, in the end I managed to overtake him and get that place."
