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Kimi Raikkonen set a blistering pace in testing at the Bahrain International Circuit recently with only his Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa, taking over at the top of the timesheets on the sixth and final day.
"We are very consistent. It's fantastic to drive a car like the F2008 because it's quick over long and short runs. The car is very easy on its Bridgestone tyres and the traction is perfect," the young Finn said.
The reigning world champion was setting times more than two seconds inside the 2007 pole position time that was set by Massa but the new Bridegstone-shod F2008 was also quick over long runs. Toyota, who were also testing at the track, didn't succeeded in getting inside a minute of the leading Ferrari.
Despite such pre-season promise, the Maranello based squad have continued with the aggressive development program originally planned for the car and will introduce a new aero upgrade in Barcelona this week.
Team insiders have reported that Raikkonen is basking in the absence of traction control this year making many ask the question, is he favourite to win the season-opener in Melbourne? Well, that is a question he won’t give a straight forward answer to….
"The great thing about this car is that we know why we're quick. There have been no surprises and we have an aggressive development program. I am confident, but we won't know exactly where we are until we get to the first race." |
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