Raikkonen

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, asked about Raikkonen's form this season, told reporters at the team's factory Wednesday evening that the Finn needed more time to prove himself.

"For sure Raikkonen is a potential champion, a potential good driver, but again you cannot judge a driver from one season," he said.

"We at Ferrari, we are the world champions, we are familiar with the pressure ... I would never put a young inexpert driver in such an important car," he added.

"We are happy with the best drivers in the world."

Raikkonen, one year into a three-year contract with Ferrari-powered Sauber, has been linked to both Ferrari and McLaren this season.

Ferrari have confirmed Michael Schumacher until 2004 and Brazilian Rubens Barrichello until the end of next season but Mercedes-powered McLaren have yet to confirm their 2002 lineup.

Peter Sauber confirmed last week that he had discussed Raikkonen with Mercedes while Ferrari are also believed to be interested in him for 2003.

Montezemolo sung the praises of Barrichello, however, saying the team were very pleased with him.

"He has been a very quick team mate for Michael and he has done a good season, even if it is not easy to be Michael's teammate," he said.