MAGNY-COURS, France, June 19, 2008 (AFP) - Defending Formula One World Champion Finn Kimi Raikkonen believes he will retake the lead in the drivers´ championship in this weekend´s French Grand Prix.

Raikkonen favours the Magny Cours based circuit on which he was victorious in 2007 and is confident his F2008 will help him secure maximum points this time around.

Raikkonen said: "It was here in France last year that my season practically started all over again; and this is what I need now, after the two races with no points.

The smooth surface of the French track, its demanding corners and the quick changes of direction will underline the characteristics of the F2008.

"I like this track and I think that it´s perfect for our car. I think we´ll be competitive and that we can go for the maximum result."

However the 28-year-old Ferrari driver said he will not be underestimating championship leader Robert Kubica or Mclaren´s Lewis Hamilton despite the starting penalty.

"Kubica is leading the standings and, apart from the first race, has always collected some points." added Raikkonen.

"Hamilton will start further back, due to the penalty. But you should never underestimate McLaren: we have to give our best to keep them behind. We´ll bring some new technology and here the team is giving its best, but that is what also our competitors do."

Briton Lewis Hamilton insists his ten-place grid penalty will not affect his preparations this weekend and will be relying on strategy and aggressive driving to be competitive.

"Mentally, it´s just something that you learn to overcome quickly," said Hamilton of the penalty.

"We´ve already looked at the best ways of optimising the strategy to help us move up the field and I guess I´ll just have to pass some cars if I want to get into the points!"

Current drivers´ Championship leader Robert Kubica of Poland is calling for another strong performance from his BMW Sauber team in order to keep his title bid alive.

"I hope we will once again have made some improvements to the car, which will help us to close the gap to Ferrari and McLaren." said Kubica.

"I´m looking forward to the race and I hope that I can do as well as possible here, as I have done in most of the Grands Prix since the beginning of the season.

My goal is to score as many points as possible and to still be in a strong position after the race."