Ferrari's Raikkonen retires from European GP

NUERBURGRING, Germany, July 22 (Reuters) Kimi Raikkonen retired from the European Grand Prix on Sunday, ending his hopes of a third win in a row for Ferrari and continuing a Nuerburgring jinx.

The Finn, who started on pole position at a circuit that holds plenty of bitter memories, slowed suddenly on the 35th of 60 laps while running in third position.

Raikkonen, who twice retired while leading at the Nuerburgring in his time with previous team McLaren, pulled over at the pit entrance and retired. He has never won at the German circuit.

The Ferrari driver had been third in the championship, 18 points adrift of McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, before Sunday's 10th round of the championship.

Brazilian team mate Felipe Massa was leading the race, ahead of McLaren's double champion Fernando Alonso. Hamilton was out of the points in 12th place.

REUTERS SSC RAI2040