Zoom Raikkonen tests at Silverstone on Thursday

Starting from the pole position, Kimi Raikkonen looked to be totally in control of the French Grand Prix as the Finn managed the gap to Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa. However, a broken exhaust mid-distance scuppered his chances of victory at Magny Cours and he was forced to trail Massa across the line to take the runner-up position.

"I don't know if to be disillusioned or glad after what happened on Sunday afternoon at the French GP," Raikkonen said. "Immediately after the race I was really disappointed, but now I have to say that I'm satisfied with the result; and that's what counts."

With Lewis Hamilton failing to score in France, Raikkonen's eight points moved him third overall in the drivers' classification, just three points behind Canadian Grand Prix winner Robert Kubica and five behind Massa.

"Victory was close, but unfortunately there was a good first part, while the second turned into a nightmare," Raikkonen continued. "I had a good start and was able to build up a gap on Felipe. Then, at around the mid-point of the race, I noticed a drop in the engine's performance and immediately noticed that the right exhaust pipe was missing: I could see the piece flapping around ion my rear-view mirror."

"From then on I was really worried: I thought that I might not be able to finish the race. Over the last laps the car seemed as if it wanted to stop, so I can really be glad that I came in second."

"I have to admit (that) it has never been better to see the chequered flag. Once again we proved the you should never give up," he added.

Heading to Silverstone, the F2008 package is expected to suit the sweeping demands of the former airfield. "I like the track and I have fond memories of it: it's good to come here with a car that can fight for the win..."

E.A. © CAPSIS International