Raikkonen: We can win Hungarian Grand Prix
Kimi Raikkonen has declared himself ready for his first race win of the season after taking pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The McLaren driver’s late flying lap delivered a second consecutive pole and denied Ferrari’s Felipe Massa what would have been the first of his career.
Raikkonen’s chances in Germany last weekend were hamstrung by several problems but he is convinced a first victory of the season is awaiting him on Sunday.
He said: “We were expecting qualifying might be good here – it was good in Monaco and this is similar to Monaco.
“It has been a good weekend and we have had excellent pace. We have a strong race car and I really think we can win.”
Raikkonen’s cause is helped by qualifying penalties for both Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher.
The leading pair in the season’s standings were punished for practice incidents and both had two seconds added to their best times, leaving them out of contention at the twisty Hungaroring in 11th and 15th respectively.
Raikkonen added: “It would have been more difficult but there are rules and if you don’t respect them you get a penalty.
“That’s how it goes in racing, for sure it is a bit of help for us so we will take it.”
