Kimi Raikkonen asked Ferrari fans to be patient as they wait for their beloved team to return to winning form.
Kimi Raikkonen asked Ferrari fans to be patient as they wait for their beloved team to return to winning form.
The 2007 drivers world champion, who scored the scarlet scuderia's first podium of the year in the last race in Monaco, confirmed his confidence, but said that winning was not yet a realistic goal.
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Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen |
The 29-year-old Finn said yesterday, "Monaco was a step forward as far as the result is concerned, but we have to be patient: I know that our fans want to see us winning immediately, but we have to be realistic.
"We're closer, that's for sure, and we'll have some updates in Turkey; but we know that the others work hard too. Compared to the Monaco track the Istanbul Park is a more conventional track and we have a more definite idea."
He said that the aerodynamic demands at the Istanbul track, which features the famous Turn 8 corner, will expose any deficiencies in the team's F60 car.
"I really like this track and it's very demanding. There are all types of corners and blind spots - it has everything you need for a beautiful race.
"This year's cars have less downforce, but we're using slicks, so I think corner number 8 will be very exciting under these circumstances. I think that it's the downforce we still have to make up ground in compared to Brawn GP and Red Bull, but we're heading in the right direction.
"Now, almost half way through the season, I'm much more optimistic than I was at the start, especially with the steps we've taken in the last two races. We know that there are further improvements coming up, which makes me think positive about the future."
He said he did not think the title race was overu00a0 and he may still have an outside chance.
"Whoever wins five out of six races at the start of the season is in an excellent position to winning the title, but the championship isn't over yet.
"Everything can happen, although things have to change very soon," he explained.
