Zoom Like McLaren, Ferrari will use tactics when needed

World champion Kimi Raikkonen on Thursday did not rule out helping his Ferrari team-mate win the 2008 title, should his own championship chances continue to dwindle.

Felipe Massa, who is currently on top form in the sister F2008 after a shaky start to the season, insists he has not yet been conferred official number one status, despite his seven point advantage over Raikkonen in their pursuit of championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

"As always at Ferrari, the top priority is to do what is in the best interests of the team," commented Team Principal Stefano Domenicali. "That means both our drivers are very well aware that, if required, one will help the other in the closing stages of the championship."

"This happened last year, when Felipe helped Kimi after the point when it was clear that his own chances of getting the title had slipped out of reach. If the situation was to be reversed, then Kimi would do the same. However, at the moment, there is no hierarchy between our two drivers because, currently and mathematically, there is not a big enough points gap between them, given there are still sixty points available."

Raikkonen is a renowned Spa Francorchamps specialist, and his hopes of getting his title quest back on track almost certainly rest upon a strong result this weekend.

But he was asked at the Belgian circuit on Thursday if he can imagine falling in line to back Massa. "It can happen," the Finn said. "We will see. It all depends on how the next races go and where we are at the end of the year. We race as a team."

"Hopefully we don't end up in this situation, hopefully I will be in the championship up to the last race. But you never know what happens," Raikkonen added.

E.A, Source: GMM
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