Zoom Aiming for the top step in the 2008 event

Kimi Raikkonen heads to Bahrain as the pre-race favourite after dominating the Malaysian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver does not have a particularly good track record at the Hermann Tilke designed circuit. Raikkonen finished third in his last three Grand Prix at the circuit and was an early retirement from the inaugural event in 2004. This year Raikkonen is hoping to record his first victory in Bahrain.

"Time and again something has gone wrong," Raikkonen said of his Bahrain record. "Sakhir is one of those circuits where I really want to win -finally. Obviously, we should have speed enough to fight for the top place in Bahrain, too. I have a good touch with that circuit and Ferrari has traditionally been strong there."

"It is not easy to find the good set-up in that tricky track, but, at least, we had a very encouraging test down there in early February," Raikkonen continued. "I really like the Sakhir circuit, because it differs from the others. While going there, you feel like playing in the sandbox. It really feels like a gigantic sandbox. Where ever you watch, you see just sand. And you feel it, too - in your hair.

"It is very early season still. Nobody knows exactly how their cars are. Obviously, our test in February does not harm us. But, of course, now it is different weather, different circuit and, obviously, our car is different, too."

"We have improved our car after the Bahrain test, so it should be better there. But the competitors are not far behind. All the teams know the place. That's for sure."

Raikkonen's Malaysian win and his fortunate single point from Australia has moved him joint second in the championship battle with 11 points, three behind Melbourne winner Lewis Hamilton.

E.A. © CAPSIS International
Source: Ferrari