Kimi Raikkonen expects a tough race, despite his stunning performance in qualifying for tomorrow s Australian Grand Prix. With Massa suffering gearbox problems in Q2, Raikkonen secured pole for Ferrari on his debut with the team.
During the post-qualifying conference, Kimi said “It has been good. Okay, yesterday wasn t perfect, but I think that the weather was a big issue yesterday, and today has been pretty good.â€
Raikkonen went on to discuss setup, saying that yet more can come from the package.
“We found a good set-up for the car. Unfortunately we didn t have as good a result as we wanted as a team. Felipe had some problems, but hopefully we can sort them out and have a good race.â€
“I m not really exactly happy with the car but it was quick enough and we need to do a bit of work for tomorrow still. I think we have a good package, we are confident for the race and as long as everything works well and we don t have any problems we should be okay, but so many things can happen.”
“We will do the best we can and hopefully we can win, but for sure the others will try to beat us. It will be close but we will do the best we can.â€
One of those drivers looking to beat Kimi is Alonso. Speaking on whether he felt it would be a race between Ferrari and McLaren, the Spaniard said, “I really hope so. For sure it will be very interesting.â€
“We have been very competitive I think all weekend, even if yesterday we were conservative, I think we have put everything together today in qualifying and we are there.â€
“So why not tomorrow? I think we will be very good.â€
Alonso went on to discuss qualifying, and echoed the words of many other drivers.
“I think it has been a difficult day for everybody. In the morning there were some drops of rain again that were a little bit worrying, and qualifying is always difficult, with the first qualifying of the new year a little bit more stressful as you get back used to the system, especially with me at a new team.â€
“I felt really, really confident all weekend with the car and it is true we were a little bit up and down on the times, but in the end when needed we are there. And starting tomorrow where we are I think it is really fantastic news.â€
Whatever happens tomorrow, with Kimi and Alonso on the front row, the race is sure to be anything but dull!
