FORUMula1.com

[darwin dali]

Ecclestone also backs the Finn, who came from behind to pip Lewis Hamilton for the drivers' title last October, to be the 'guy to beat' in 2008.

"And I think he'll take a lot of beating," Ecclestone added.



HUH?

[Denthúl]

He's saying that Kimi will be tough to beat this season, and I agree with him. His victory would've come much easier last season, I feel, if Ferrari had a more reliable car. Provided he doesn't get many DNFs, if any, in 2008, he'll probably be a lot tougher for Lewis, Heikki and Felipe to rival in the championship. But I hope the title battle goes to the final round again. That would be great.

[8-ball]

Kimi is the man but he is not invincible. Lewis is a superior qualifier and that is his best chance to beat Kimi as he is not easy to pass in the race.

[McLaren Fan]

Kimi is the man but he is not invincible. Lewis is a superior qualifier and that is his best chance to beat Kimi as he is not easy to pass in the race.

*Thinks back to last year's Italian Grand Prix!

Seriously, I think Raikkonen is slight favourite for next season, but given there are three other drivers going for the title, the chance of BMW and Williams getting the odd decent result, Ferrari's reliability gremlins, and McLaren looking not far off if not just as fast as Ferrari, it will be extremely close.

As for what is Ecclestone saying, he's probably dropping another hint that this year's title is fixed. Just like his comments a few years ago about what is good for Ferrari is good for Formula One.

[darwin dali]

I was wondering what he meant by: "And I think he'll take a lot of beating,"

Suggesting he's going to be beaten a lot or it'll take a lot of beating him to win over him? Or maybe he's suggesting that KR is into BDSM?

[Jensonb]

It's a turn of phrase loosely meaning someone will have to do a lot to get the better of him. Similar to "it'll take some doing"