Kimi keen on new car

World champion eager to defend his title

Last updated: 12th March 2008

Ferrari Spanish testing kimi raikkonen January 2008

Raikkonen: Ready for Melbourne

I've built up a good relationship with my engineers and we understand each other: they know how I want my car to be set up.

Kimi Raikkonen
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Kimi Raikkonen believes Ferrari are in much better shape than they were at the same time last year.

The world champion says he finally feels at home with Ferrari and thinks the team are gelling together nicely.

"Personally I feel a huge difference to start this season compared to 2007," Raikkonen told Autosport.

"Now I know the team and the way they work there won't be any surprises.

"I've built up a good relationship with my engineers and we understand each other: they know how I want my car to be set up."

Optimism

The Finn is optimistic about the team's chances this season after dominating pre-season testing with the new F2008.

"I believe that we're going to Melbourne with a competitive car," he said.

"The tests during the winter went very well and we did everything possible. The F2008 is a step forward from the car we had last year.

"The team have done a great job; especially in the areas where we weren't that strong, like the behaviour through slow corners and over the kerbs. We should be strong in every situation, although you never know these things for sure.

"I'm really satisfied with how the tests went. We have a strong, fast, competitive and reliable package. We should be there fighting for victories in every race and in the end for the two championships."

F1 Drivers Championship 2008: Raikkonen, K 4/7