Kimi Raikkonen admits he is unsure about his chances at upcoming Italian Grand Prix due to Lotus’ struggles at low downforce circuits.
The Enstone-based team have been working on new components to reduce drag on their car for most of the season but decided against running it last weekend at Spa.
In hindsight it appears as if it was the wrong choice, with Raikkonen being forced to retire while team-mate Romain Grosjean could only manage eighth place.
The new part once again looks like it would offer very little benefit in Italy and the 2007 world champion admits he is unsure just how competitive he will be.
“It’s a unique circuit with the high speeds achieved there and everyone will be running the lowest level of downforce we see all year,” Raikkonen said.
“Let’s wait and see how the car goes on Friday morning and then we’ll have a better idea of what can be achieved.”
However, despite his pessimism, the 33-year-old has constantly proved throughout his career that he loves rising to a challenge and he will know a surprise victory in Italy will possibly put him back in the running for the Drivers’ Championship.
Despite the unsuitability of his car, Raikkonen says he enjoys the traditional Monza circuit and believes certain characteristics of the track may indeed suite his E21.
He continued: “Monza always gives a great challenge. It’s so different compared with the more modern circuits as the layout means the car needs to be set up differently. To go fast at Monza you need a car that is good aerodynamically.”
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