''I'm not Schumacher and everybody knows that''
New Ferrari driver
Kimi Raikkonen believes he can handle the weight of expectation that will inevitably rest on his shoulders having replaced retired Formula One legend
Michael Schumacher.
The closest Raikkonen has come to
being crowned champion was in 2003 and 2005 when he finished runner-up, while Schumacher was the sport's most successful driver with 91 career wins and seven world titles.
"I'm not Schumacher and everybody knows that," Raikkonen told a press conference at the Italian team's winter retreat at Madonna di Campiglio in northern Italy's Dolomite mountains.
"One can only make comparisons after several races, not before I've even started. It's normal for people to make comparisons with previous drivers, but I am my own person. I will do my best and I won't change my style. I know that the people here are expecting a lot, but I don't feel the pressure. I've joined a special team here at Ferrari and I will have to settle in quickly."
Raikkonen, who joined Ferrari at the end of last season after four years with McLaren, insisted there was no animosity between him and fellow Ferrari driver Felipe Massa over who will be Schumacher's heir.
"I'm just thinking about what I can do to help the team and I don't think there is a number one here," said the 27-year-old Finn who finished two places behind Massa in fifth place in the drivers' championship last year.
"Me and Massa will have the same car and everything will depend on our individual skills."
Massa welcomed Raikkonen's arrival but warned him he wasn't prepared to be an understudy again.
"Me and Raikkonen start as equals, although I have more experience with Ferrari, not forgetting last season, which was fantastic for me," said the 25-year-old Brazilian. "Kimi will have to adapt himself and show his true value. But we will work together without problems."
Source AFP
