Raikkonen praises Ferrari's work on SF70-H and admits they're stronger now than in 2016 - but won't predict race wins just yet
Tuesday 14 March 2017 14:36, UK
Kimi Raikkonen says it's too early to predict whether Ferrari will beat Mercedes in 2017 but admits they're in a "much stronger position" than a year ago.
The Scuderia impressed at Winter Testing and topped the timesheets, but have been preaching caution after making a similarly strong start in pre-season last year before enduring a winless campaign.
But Raikkonen, whose 1:18.634 was 0.7s quicker than the next fastest car in Barcelona, says Ferrari have made a step forward with their SF70-H and praised his team's work.
"There are a few small issues but if we look a year ago, we are in a much stronger position," the experienced Finn said. "The car is very reliable, you expect small things to be happening when you are pushing the car to the limit. The guys have done an amazing job.
"Our first feeling is it's nice to drive. Are we going to be fast enough in the races? I don't know. It's early days still but compare one year ago to here, we have to be positive with how we have gone forward as a team and as a group."
With the season-opening Australian GP less than two weeks away, Ferrari's early season pace means they are expected to be Mercedes' main challengers in Melbourne.
Indeed, Lewis Hamilton has already claimed the Italian outfit, without a constructors' title since 2008, are the favourites while Valtteri Bottas admitted Mercedes "can't be confident" about sealing a fourth straight crown this year.
However, Sky Sports understands the Silver Arrows were running a lower engine mode on their W08 at testing and were losing around 0.6s per lap. Indeed, Raikkonen's team-mate Sebastian Vettel insisted Mercedes are still the team to beat.
"Mercedes are still very fast if you look at their long-run pace," the German said. "Historically, look at how slow they go in testing before ramping it up for races."
Watch the start of the 2017 F1 season live only on Sky Sports F1 - and in Ultra HD for the first time! Don't miss the Australian GP from March 24-26, with full coverage across TV and the Sky Sports Digital platforms. Get Sky F1 for the new season!
