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Past success won't help at Spa - Raikkonen

Kimi Raikkonen: "Every race from here on is very important" © Sutton Images

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• Race:
• Belgian Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Kimi Räikkönen

• Teams:
• Lotus F1

Kimi Raikkonen has played down the significance of his past success at Spa-Francorchamps ahead of next weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

Raikkonen has yet to win a race this year but has come close, finishing on the podium five times. He has won at Spa-Francorchamps on four of his last five visits, but says that will not count for much this weekend.

"Usually I've achieved good results at the Belgian Grand Prix, but what's happened before doesn't help me right now," he said. "Saying that though it doesn't do any harm either. Obviously it would be great to win at Spa for a fifth time. I haven't won during the first part of the season and the extra points are always good."

Raikkonen said Lotus is getting closer to its first win of the season as it improves on its weaknesses in qualifying.

"We always try to win; some days you get close to it and it's a bit disappointing that we haven't quite made that final step," he added. "We know the reason though; we've not been so strong in qualifying as we have in the race which makes life harder for ourselves on Sundays. Of course we would rather win than come second or third but it's a long season and I think we're improving all the time. If it comes then great, if not we'll keep trying. I've been in the business long enough that I don't really worry about things too much. We've been improving our position in the championships - both for myself and for the team - so as long as we keep doing that hopefully the win will come."

Raikkonen, who is 48 points off championship leader Fernando Alonso, said every race is now crucial if he is to remain in the title fight.

"I am now fifth in the championship and obviously aiming at getting more points than the guys in front of me. The smaller the gap to the leaders is the better for me and for the team. Every race from here on is very important. The whole team is pushing 100 % and we need to beat our rivals and take more points than they do every time."

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