Highlights

Raikkonen unconcerned by engine penalty threat

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-04-06 08:40

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen remains philosophical over the prospect of being handed a 10-place grid penalty at this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix should Ferrari be forced to change his engine.

During the latter stages of last month's season-opening victory at the Australian Grand Prix, Raikkonen's engine suffered a water leak and he was instructed by his team to slow down to prevent over-heating.

Ferrari engineers are monitoring the situation but have been hampered in their investigations by rules that prevent them from opening up the engine.

"I don't worry about it because if we have to change the engine we have to change it," Raikkonen told a news conference on Thursday.

Under FIA rules, one engine is required to last for two races and a failure to do so results in the car losing 10 places on the qualifying grid.

Ferrari are likely to make a decision on whether or not to change Raikkonen's engine on Friday.

Raikkonen, meanwhile, dismissed suggestions Ferrari have an advantage over the other teams because of their experience with Bridgestone tyres.

With Bridgestone being the sole supplier this year, most teams have been forced to switch from the Michelins they were using last season.

"I don't think that we are better just because we are using Bridgestone," Raikkonen said.

However, McLaren's Fernando Alonso, who won the last two world championships with Renault on Michelin tyres said the change had affected the way he drives.

"Yes, it does make a difference," the Spaniard said. "But we are all professional drivers and we just have to get used to it."