Kimi Raikkonen expecting a strong 2016 after signing new Ferrari deal
Newly re-signed Finn hopeful another Ferrari step forward will make them genuine title contenders in 2016; Welcomes team-mate Vettel's public support
Tuesday 25 August 2015 14:25, UK
Kimi Raikkonen believes he can be part of a Ferrari championship challenge in 2016 after signing a contract extension at the Scuderia.
To the surprise of many in F1 after a mixed series of results for the former world champion so far this season, Ferrari decided to take up their contractual option on Raikkonen's services for 2016 and not pursue a move for one of their reported targets, Valtteri Bottas, Nico Hulkenberg and Daniel Ricciardo.
Since returning to Maranello at the start of last year, Raikkonen has been outperformed by both of his team-mates, first Fernando Alonso and now Sebastian Vettel, but is targeting a strong second half of the 2015 season.
And having made the biggest step forward of any team this year, Raikkonen is expecting an even more competitive Ferrari in 2016.
"Obviously it's the same as every year – we want to do as well as we can and hopefully challenge for the championship next year," he said in Thursday's drivers' press conference ahead of F1's return to action at Spa.
"I'm sure we can produce an even better car than this year. The team is working well together, we all feel very good and I'm happy to stay there. We have to try and do a good second part of the year, maximise what we have, and then prepare for next year."
Raikkonen, who has finished on the podium just once in his second stint at Ferrari, added: "We want more wins, me and the team. I've had good years, difficult years, but I've always enjoyed [it]."
Despite widespread expectation in the media that Raikkonen would be dropped, Vettel had publicly spoken out on several occasions in support of his team-mate's case to be retained.
After his victory at the last race in Hungary, Vettel labelled as "bull****" the speculation that surrounded his team-mate's future at the time. With his place alongside the German now secured for a second season, Raikkonen says their friendship is a bonus for the team.
"I know him well and we have a very good relationship. I haven't read so much lately [to see his comments], but he tells me and I tell him if I do well, or he does well," he said.
"So we have a very good feeling and respect in the team. We try to beat each other in the races, but we can still be friends as before. That's good for us as a team that we can work very closely."
The news of Raikkonen's contract renewal has come at Spa, the venue where the 35-year-old has won more times than any other in F1.
"It [the contract] doesn't change anything. We still try to do the same as every other race. That contract thing is not going to change our approach for the weekend – or the end result," the four-time victor added.
"Hopefully we can have a good weekend with no problems and see where we end up."
