Mar.5 (GMM) Kimi Raikkonen has played down any suggestions that, as reigning world champion and with Ferrari's rapid new F2008, he could be set to dominate the 2008 season.

The Finn even dismissed the popular media claim that the upcoming title battle could essentially be a two-way duel between himself and McLaren's highly rated British driver, Lewis Hamilton.

"I do not believe that it is only between us two (drivers)," Raikkonen told a news conference this week in Helsinki.

"Ferrari and McLaren each have two cars and two very fast drivers, so it will surely be a very evenly matched struggle," he said.

Both Raikkonen and his teammate Felipe Massa, however, agree that Fernando Alonso looks likely to be out of contention for a third drivers' crown in 2008 after returning to Renault.

When asked who his title opponents will be this season, Massa - addressing a news conference in his native Sao Paulo - answered: "Kimi and Hamilton.

"Thinking about Kovalainen, it is not possible to say 100 per cent at this stage (whether he will also be in the running)."

The Brazilian also has some advice for his rookie countryman Nelson Piquet Jr, who will make his grand prix debut in Melbourne next weekend.

"I see his situation as quite similar to when I started at Ferrari," Massa said. "My teammate then was Schumacher, and his is Alonso.

"So what he has to try to do is be as close as possible to Alonso, and learn as much as he can."