Raikkonen currently trails Alonso by 26 points

The McLaren driver, who trails Alonso by 26 points, knows he must finish well in this weekend's German Grand Prix.

Raikkonen has failed to finish at Hockenheim for the past four years but is feeling positive this time.

"The car has good speed and we need to make the most of it this weekend," said the Finn.

"The battle for the championship is still on and I am determined to get a good result and work on closing the gap."

Raikkonen's season has been badly affected by technical problems, with engine failures costing him 10 places on the starting grid in the last two races.

The 25-year-old managed to finish second and third despite those penalties, but he needs to add to his three race wins this season if he is to put any pressure on Alonso.

Contrary to many other people's opinions we have by no means written ourselves off Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher

His Spanish rival has won five times for Renault this season, and one of his better drives came when he finished fourth at Monaco despite seriously worn tyres.

The 23-year-old is hoping not to have to repeat that performance in the heat of southern Germany this weekend.

"Conditions are very hot," said the Spaniard, who finished third at Hockenheim last year.

"In the last two years, we had some problems with the rear tyres because of high temperatures and the traction demands in the corners, so (we have to) get the right balance between performance and durability."

Local hopes rest with struggling world champion Michael Schumacher, whose only win so far this year was in the farcical US Grand Prix.

"Contrary to many other people's opinions, we have by no means written ourselves off, even though we have to admit that the situation has worsened recently, rather than improved," said the German.