• European Grand Prix - FP2

Race trim is most important - Raikkonen

Kimi Raikkonen was 11th quickest in FP2 but pleased with his long run pace © Sutton Images

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• Report:
• Vettel on top during close FP2 in Valencia
  

• Race:
• European Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Kimi Räikkönen

• Teams:
• Lotus F1

Kimi Raikkonen insists Lotus must ensure that a strong race pace takes priority over its qualifying speed in the European Grand Prix.

Lotus has highlighted its lack of qualifying pace as the main reason why it has yet to win a grand prix this season having displayed impressive speed in the races. With high temperatures expected in Valencia on Saturday and Sunday it has been tipped for victory this weekend but Raikkonen said the team wasn't overly focused on qualifying because the race is more important.

"I wouldn't say that [the setup] is anything different," Raikkonen said. "It's just that some places you use it to be a bit better than others and for sure the race pace is to always be our stronger point compared to qualifying. But it's up to us to get the car right and be fast."

Looking at his Friday practice sessions, Raikkonen admitted he hadn't had a completely clear day but was satisfied.

"The car feels okay and there were no issues. The wind was a bit of a factor in the morning but it was better in the afternoon. I was stuck in traffic for quite a bit of my long run in the second session, so I wasn't able to go as fast as the car was capable of, but we don't have any issues on that front.

"The E20's strong point always seems to be its race pace but of course we are looking to make it quicker in qualifying. Let's see how it is tomorrow morning and we'll do whatever's necessary. We'll make a few changes to the car for sure, but I think we're pretty okay."

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