Feb.27 (GMM) Bernie Ecclestone has defended reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen's reputation as a fast Ferrari racer who likes a drink.



"Every time I've been out to dinner with him," the F1 chief executive told the Mirror, "he has been as good as gold. And he's even better when he's pissed.



"There's nothing wrong with that.



"He doesn't embarrass people to the extent they say: 'My God, he shouldn't be doing that'," the 77-year-old added.



Ecclestone also backs the Finn, who came from behind to pip Lewis Hamilton for the drivers' title last October, to be the "guy to beat" in 2008.



"And I think he'll take a lot of beating," Bernie added.