Despite his obligation to use an older-specification engine at the British Grand Prix, McLaren ace Kimi Raikkonen stands a good chance of trouncing title rival Fernando Alonso at Silverstone.

Despite his obligation to use an older-specification engine at the British Grand Prix, McLaren ace Kimi Raikkonen stands a good chance of trouncing title rival Fernando Alonso at Silverstone.


Although the Finn had the latest evolution Mercedes-Benz V10 engine at his disposal at Magny Cours, the unit fitted to his McLaren MP4-20 failed during Friday's practice session. The Woking-based team then fitted an older-spec engine to Raikkonen's car and - in accordance with FIA regulations - the Finn had to take a 10-position penalty on the French Grand Prix starting grid.


His team-mate, Juan-Pablo Montoya, will have a new spec power plant fitted from Friday practice at Silverstone. However, Raikkonen - due to the two-race engine rule - will have to use the older unit used for the French Grand Prix.


"What happened on Friday really destroyed our weekend," he said on Sunday. "Okay, I only dropped two more points to Alonso but we wanted to win."


Fortunately for Raikkonen, Alonso does not believe that Renault will set the pace at the Northamptonshire circuit: "It's one of those races with a red cross against it on our calendar," the Spaniard said on Monday. "We haven't gone really well there in the past. I think the podium is our maximum target for that one."


By contrast, the circuit - built on a former World War II airfield - is traditionally a happy hunting ground for McLaren. "We've tested there already this year," the Finn remarked, "and we were pretty quick. I think we will have a good week," said Raikkonen.


"I don't know if his car or my car is quicker overall. Silverstone will be better for our car -- maybe we'll be slightly ahead (of Renault)," he added.

Original article from Car