Formula One news

Kimi not concerned by Massa pace

Ferrari will field a new car in Australia, the F2007, as well as a new driver in Kimi Raikkonen. The Finn will make his Prancing Horse debut at Albert Park. The Finn also said he was not fussed about the pace Felipe Massa showed in winter testing.

On the eve of his debut, Raikkonen revealed how he had approached the test sessions: "We did not focus on qualifying performance but on the race set up and reliability. Each track is different and we will make the most of the Friday and Saturday free practice sessions to get the car right. I can safely say that the car handled well overall but it does better with little fuel on board".

Some in the know have speculated on the reasons why Felipe Massa has been quicker the Kimi over the winter: "I am not concerned and I knew anyway that Felipe was quick. It will be close between the two of us but I don't think there will be any problems. 

In Raikkonen's opinion, Massa's driving style compared to his does not differ greatly though, "We have some differences in regulating the car, there is less difference than there has been with other drivers in the past."

With the start of the season fast approaching, it is only natural to ask Raikkonen if he thinks he has a car that can compete for the title: "I cannot say too much as the real test will come in the race and that is still to come. The season is a long one and so I will only be able to reply at the end of the year."

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