F1: Raikkonen plays down Turkish success

Aug 22 2005 Western Mail

KIMI RAIKKONEN claims he had it easy in storming to a dominant win in the inaugural Turkish Grand Prix at the challenging Istanbul Otodrom yesterday.

The Finn tamed the tough new track with a faultless display to win his fifth race of the season with ease, edging him closer to world championship leader Fernando Alonso.

But Raikkonen played down his superb performance, claiming he had not been too challenged by any of his rivals once he had snatched back the lead from Giancarlo Fisichella on lap one.

Raikkonen's McLaren team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya had a far from easy finish to the race, clashing with Jordan's Tiago Monteiro before running wide to hand second to Renault ace Alonso.

The 25-year-old, who is now 24 points behind Alonso in the standings, said, "It was not too difficult. I was quite confident that we would have the speed.

"But you never know so you have to go for it and in the end it paid off well.

"On the first lap there was some action going on, but after that it was pretty good.

"I didn't get exactly the best start, I got a bit of wheel spin and then Fisichella got past me and Alonso got alongside me. But then on the first lap Fisichella ran wide at the exit of turn nine I think and I got beside him.

"I was pushing until I knew we should be safe and then we were looking good for a 1-2, but it was a bit unlucky. It could have been better for the team but anyhow it is a good result."

Montoya's error handed Alonso an extra two points and spoilt Raikkonen's celebrations.

Alonso will win his first world title if he finishes second in all five remaining races and Raikkonen knows he needs help from Montoya if he is to reel in the Spaniard.

He admits Montoya's problem could come back to haunt him come the end of the season, adding, "It would have been nice to have a one-two but what can you do? Sometimes it goes like this.

"Two points are two points and they can make a big difference at the end of the season.

"We did the best we could do and we just need to keep working hard and win more races and see where we end up."