Raikkonen confident of toppling Schumacher
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Kimi Raikkonen has warned Michael Schumacher that he will have to overcome an even tougher challenge than last season to retain his Formula One drivers' title.
Raikkonen, of Finland, is confident that his success last season, when he only missed out on the title by two points, has put him in a good position to go one better in 2004.
"I am learning in every test and every race," said the McLaren-Mercedes driver. The more I gain miles, the better I am as a racing driver. Last season's experience has brought more speed, more self-confidence and a more mature attitude... and I think it will be easier for me to start to fight for the championship."
Raikkonen, 24, believes his challenge last year was blunted by McLaren's failure to introduce their new car because of reliability problems. He had to use a heavily-modified version of the 2002 model which ensured podium finishes, but allowed him just one victory, the first of his career, in Malaysia.
Raikkonen tested the 2004 version in Jerez earlier this month and believes it has the speed to challenge Schumacher's Ferrari. "The MP4-19 is a very good car," he said. "Like every other team, we still have a lot of work to do, but the base line feels very good. When we really went for it to get a quick lap time, it was there. The car is very stable and there is not any kind of a problem to really push for it."
The season begins in Melbourne on 7 March.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments