The world champion has slipped to fourth place in the drivers standings, seven points adrift of new leader Robert Kubica, on the back of two races in which he has failed to score points.
But he reckons he has a great chance to get his title challenge back on track for the second successive year in France as he expects the fast, flowing circuit to again play to his cars strengths.
“Now we're heading back to Europe to tracks, which have been built to be used by racing cars,” he said.
“I think that things will look really different at Magny-Cours, compared to the last GPs.
“The smooth surface of the French track, its demanding corners and the quick changes of direction will underline the characteristics of the F2008.
“It was here in France last year that my season practically started all over again; and this is what I need now, after the two races with no points.
“I like this track and I think that it's perfect for our car. I think we'll be competitive and that we can go for the maximum result.”
While pre-season title favourites Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa have all now each had two races in which they have missed out on points, Kubica has not finished lower than fourth since retiring from the season-opener in Australia.
Kimi admits, as with last year, consistency will be the key to a successful championship challenge.
“All the races are important and one point can make the difference, like in 2007,” he said.
“This year will be an equally balanced championship and that's the reason why you always need to bring home something.
“Kubica is leading the standings and, apart from the first race, has always collected some points."
He added, perhaps ominously for his rivals, that he was desperate to return to winning ways in France: “I don't remember when I had such a great lust for winning!”
Comments:
