Date:15/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/15/stories/2008031556972100.htm

Sport - Racing : Motor

Raikkonen, the early favourite among drivers

MELBOURNE: Kimi Raikkonen is the drivers’ early choice to win the 2008 title and make it back-to-back championships.

Five of the six drivers at the FIA news conference immediately after Friday’s season-opening free practice sessions tipped Ferrari’s Raikkonen to be atop the standings at the end of the season.

McLaren’s Heikki Kovalainen was the one dissenter.

After initially refusing to comment on it, Kovalainen was cornered into a choice between his new teammate Lewis Hamilton and Finnish compatriot Raikkonen. His answer: “Lewis.”

Red Bull driver Mark Webber, on his home circuit, was asked first and nominated Raikkonen without hesitation.

Force India’s Giancarlo Fisichella, the 2005 Australian GP winner, shrugged and agreed it would be the Finn.

Some of the less experienced F-1 drivers were more conservative before giving their votes. — AP