Raikkonen, Massa on equal terms, seek Schumi help in title quest

"I am not thinking in number one and number two terms. The drivers are regarded as equal," said Raikkonen on Thursday at Ferrari's traditional media event in the alpine resort of Madonna di Campiglio.

 But Raikkonen said that team officials must then support the better-placed driver when the championship reaches the deciding stages.

 Raikkonen and team-mate Felipe Massa eye for top results again after getting the drivers' title from Raikkonen and the constructors' crown as well last year.

 "We want to win and defend both titles. (But) that will be tough," said the Finn Raikkonen.

 Given rule changes such as the now outlawed traction control, which stop the wheels from spinning, the two drivers are aware that they could receive some good advice in the more difficult handling of the car from Schumacher.

 The German record seven-times world champion retired in 2006, but is still at Ferrari as an advisor and occasional test driver.

 "The whole driving style has to change. You have to learn to be softer with the accelerator. The tyres are worn out much to soon if you drive aggressive," said Massa.

 Raikkonen said: "It is good for us if Michael tests when we are not available. He has a lot of experience." 

   But the Finn said that the ex-champ should not spend too much time testing "because, given the reduced number of tests, it is important that we spend as much time as possible in the cockpit."   

   Raikkonen and Massa agreed with the team leadership that McLaren-Mercedes will be the toughest rivals again. Raikkonen only leapfrogged the McLaren pair of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso for the title in the final race 2007 in Brazil.

 Massa said that Hamilton had "an unbelievable year as a rookie" while it remains to be seen how his team team-mate, Heikki Kovalainen of Finland, will fare. The same applies to the ex-champion Alonso who has returned to Renault.

 "It is difficult to make predictions. The pecking order won't be known until after a few races," said Raikkonen.

By Elmar Dreher, dpa