Kimi impressed by vibe at Ferrari

Editor

Kimi Raikkonen has hailed the atmosphere at Ferrari ahead of the new season, saying "people are happy" and "working together".

On the back of their nightmare campaign last year and Fernando Alonso's decision to leave, it is all change at Ferrari this year with Sebastian Vettel replacing the Spaniard while higher up Sergio Marchionne took over from Luca di Montezemolo as president and Maurizio Arrivabene was appointed new team principal in place of Marco Mattiacci.

Raikkonen has certainly been impressed by the mood in the camp.

"I’ve known the team for a few years now, but I have to say, this year the atmosphere is very good, the people are happy and are working together in a very close-knit way," he told the official Ferrari website.

"I think that’s a good sign and on top of that, it seems that a good car has been produced over the winter period. Now the time’s come to go racing, which is when we will really understand where we are."

There have also been plenty of changes in the technical department and if pre-season form is anything to go by then it has had the desired effect as the SF15-T has impressed ahead of the season-opener in Australia this weekend.

"It’s a good place to start, even if it’s a long way for everyone," Raikkonen said. "The journey is long, but once here, it’s nice to be in Melbourne. Usually the weather is nice and there’s a good atmosphere around us."

He added: "I think that compared with last year, we have done a great job as a team. We are pleased with what we achieved over the winter and with the level of competitiveness that we expect to have reached, even if we will have to wait until we’re on track to get the real verdict.

"Anyhow, we will continue to push to improve all the time. I am confident that we will manage to achieve the results we deserve and want."