Current Formula 1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen does not believe he is starting the season as favourite to win the drivers crown, and he also believes it will be another close battle between McLaren and Ferrari at the front of the field.
When asked whether he felt he was starting the 2008 F1 season as favourite, Raikkonen replied, “No I think we haven t really started the championship yet. We do the best we can but we expect to do well also in our team but there are two main teams. Anything can really happen.
“I think we have a good team and last year we had a very good atmosphere. I think it will be similar this year. I don t know if we are going to be in a stronger position than the other teams I don t think it will make much difference. Like I said, we should be in a good position but it is too early to say.â€
When questioned over whether he felt McLaren had been weakened with the departure of Fernando Alonso Raikkonen said, “I don t know. For sure Fernando: I don t see he is any quicker he doesn t have as quick a car as last year. McLaren: I don t know how quick they are. We will see in the next few races and I think there are a lot of people who know what they are doing. I expect them to be strong.â€
Meanwhile, Raikkonen has been strolling around the Melbourne paddock sporting a large new tattoo on the inside of his left forearm which reads, quite simply, Iceman .
