| |
SINGAPORE: Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen is confident of a good F1 race in the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend.
The usual calm Raikkonen started his latest trip to Singapore by launching a limited edition Tag Heuer eyewear.
But away from the commercial engagement, the Ice Man has set his sights on a good outing at Singapore's night race.
He said: "If we can get the best out of the car, and hopefully the car is in here a bit better than it was in maybe Monza, because this is more close to the Valencia, Monaco-style circuit, so in those places the car was working very well."
In the 2008 Singapore race, Raikkonen crashed out in the 57th lap, after starting third on the grid.
The 2007 world champ did not want to comment on the Renault race-fixing scandal.
He was equally tight-lipped about his future with Ferrari, where his contract expires in 2010.
Another team hoping to blaze the Marina Bay circuit is Toyota.
Driver Jarno Trulli also aims to complete the race this time, after hydraulics failure ended his outing in the 50th lap in 2008.
Trulli said: "Last year, (it was) not the most successful for me. I was unlucky to retire at the end of the race but I think this year we are much more well prepared and just hope that the track has the right improvement where we requested."
The Singapore track is now less bumpy and has been widened at some sections to allow for more overtaking.
Over at Changi Airport Terminal Three, transit passengers were pleasantly surprised to catch a glimpse of McLaren driver Heikki Kovalainen.
Kovalainen was there to pick two contestants for a race-off with him - on a simulator. The track was a simulated version of the Singapore street circuit.
The lucky contestants received autographed items from Kovalainen.
The F1 drivers will take to the streets for practice session on Friday, followed by the qualifiers on Saturday and race day on Sunday.
- CNA/ir/de
|
