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Raikkonen vows to bounce back in China race

April 15 - 21, 2009
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Former world champion Kimi Raikkonen has vowed that Ferrari will bounce back from their awful opening to the 2009 season that has seen them fail to register a single point.

Two races in, the reigning constructors' world champions have not only finished outside the points but have also looked some way off the pace of the all-conquering Brawn GP team.

And to make matters worse, poor tactical decisions cost last year's winner in Bahrain, Felipe Massa in qualifying and Raikkonen in the race itself.

That moved Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo to demand an improvement from his team. "We know that we have to react to catch up in terms of performance," he said.

And Raikkonen, who many believe is driving for his future with the team this season following a disappointing defence to his title last year, is confident the team can react before the next Grand Prix in China, following disasters in both Australia and Malaysia.

"We still don't have any points following two Grand Prix and without a doubt this is a difficult time for us," he said. "But we've been through similar phases in the past. We know how to react and we'll do so in Shanghai."

McLaren also hope to put aside the early season gloom in China this weekend. Last year Lewis Hamilton came out top in the race and said: "I really enjoy racing in Shanghai - the track is a good blend of fast and slow stuff and it throws up a few nice challenges for the drivers.

"Finding the right set-up is important, you need speed and balance through the high-speed corners but decent mechanical grip for the hairpins."







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