The Hindu : Sport / Racing : Motor : Raikkonen needs a miracle to win the title, says Massa

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Friday, Oct 12, 2007
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Raikkonen needs a miracle to win the title, says Massa

SAO PAULO: Ferrari driver Felipe Massa thinks teammate Kimi Raikkonen needs a miracle to win the Formula One drivers’ title at next week’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

Raikkonen is third in the standings and enters the last race of the season in Sao Paulo seven points behind McLaren’s rookie driver Lewis Hamilton and four behind Fernando Alonso, Hamilton’s teammate.

“It’s a very complicated situation for Kimi,” Massa said on Wednesday in a news conference. “If a miracle happens and the McLarens retire or fail to stay in the top eight, then I’ll be glad to help the team. But I don’t think that will happen.”

Raikkonen needs to win the Oct. 21 race and hope the McLaren drivers fail to finish among the leaders. A win is worth 10 points, and second through eighth are 8-6-5-4-3-2-1. Massa, out of contention for the championship, said his main goal will be to win in front of the local fans.

The Brazilian is hoping to repeat the victory from a year ago, when he became the first Brazilian to win in Sao Paulo since Ayrton Senna in 1993. “I work for Ferrari, so I’ll do what I can to help Kimi, but I’ll drive to win the race,” Massa said. — AP

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