Kimi Raikkonen remains confident about his World title chances despite falling off the pace in recent races.
Following his fourth successive podium finish of the season in Turkey, Raikkonen has struggle to make it into the top three never mind onto the top step.
The Finn has just one podium in the last five race despite often finding himself in a winning position. However, it's in the last race, Hungary, where Ferrari really came undone, falling far short of the pace set by the leading McLaren.
"It's no secret that we're not satisfied by how the last five races went," Raikkonen admitted.
"I was particularly disappointed after the series Montreal-Magny-Cours-Silverstone: in each one of these races I had the possibility to win, but because of one thing or another things didn't go the right way and I lost."
The reiging Champ, though, is refusing to let his slump in form get to him, confident that himself and Ferrari will return to winning ways in the not-too-distant future.
"I never let myself be influenced by tension and I won't start now: I've just to keep my focus and continue to give as much as possible, race after race. That's what I've done every time I was in trouble.
"It's never pleasant to explain the reasons for loosing, especially for someone like me, who likes winning so much.
"The race at Hockenheim was the most difficult moment of the season. I was really frustrated and disappointed that I couldn't find the right balance of the car, but now we're in a much better position."
Looking to this weekend's grand prix in Budapest, Raikkonen reckons Ferrari will have the pace to fight McLaren for the victory.
"We had a productive test at Jerez, especially on the second day. The team has done some great work in the developement of the F2008 and I'm confident for Hungary.
"It's true that McLaren has improved a lot over the last two races, but we also know that the situation can change in the blink of an eye."
As for the World title, the 28-year-old says he's still in a position to retain the crown despite losing ground to Championship leader Lewis Hamilton in recent races.
"It's still early to make any forecasts for the Championship, considering that the first three drivers are only seven points apart: the positions can change in a single race," he said.
"It's useless to cry over spilled milk: we are looking ahead, with eight races to go and at the end we'll do the maths. We just passed the half-way point of the season, so it's important to always gain points.
"Excluding Hockenheim I was always in a position to win and I hope success will come soon."