Kimi reveals Turkish delight

Finn racer relieved after first corner drama

Last updated: 12th May 2008

kimi raikkonen turkish gp podium 11/5/2008

Raikkonen: Relieved man

Overall, the weekend was a little bit difficult, but I am happy with third and at least we scored some good points.

Kimi Raikkonen
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Kimi Raikkonen admitted his relief at returning from that Turkish GP with his position at the top of the drivers' standings still in tact.

Despite having is lead cut by two points to seven, Raikkonen was left counting his blessings that he managed to claim a third place finish after a first corner incident with compatriot Heikki Kovalainen almost robbed him of his front wing.

Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa and McLaren's Lewis Hamilton are level on points and within sight of Raikkonen after they finished first and second, but the Finn admitted his relief at claiming a place on the podium after a near race-ending start.

Difficult

"I didn't have a very good start," said Raikkonen. "I got to the side of him on braking, but then I got a little bit squeezed on the inside.

"I tried to slow down and get behind him, but he just turned in a little bit, and the unfortunate thing for both of us is I broke the front wing and he had a puncture.

"I knew pretty much what had happened, that the end plate had come off, and although it's difficult to say how much difference it made, it didn't help.

"Overall, the weekend was a little bit difficult, but I am happy with third and at least we scored some good points.

"Now we have to make sure we have a better weekend at the next race (Monaco)."

Happy

Despite dropping points to Massa and Hamilton, Raikkonen was not too concerned, with the championship still having a long way to go.

"This race is early in the season and it's good to have a little gap to the others," he said.

"But we saw this weekend if you cannot get everything out of the car, you are going to lose some points.

"I've lost a few points now, but it doesn't change too much and I don't worry about it too much.

"We go race by race and try to win, try to gain points on the others, but sometimes you need to be happy with what you get.

"This was one of those days because this weekend I was never really where I wanted to be, but six points is still good."

F1 Drivers Championship 2008: Raikkonen, K 7/1