- Ferrari
Raikkonen expects much stronger Ferrari in 2015
Kimi Raikkonen thinks the current period of change at Ferrari will need to be given time to achieve results but already expects to see a much-improved on track performance in 2015.
Luca di Montezemolo was officially replaced as Ferrari president by Sergio Marchionne, the chief executive of Fiat, on Monday. It marks a period of big change at Maranello, with team principal Marco Mattiacci announcing in June his desire to create a "different team for 2015" - with engine boss Luca Marmorini a high-profile casualty this summer.
While Raikkonen does not think the period of change has made an impact on Ferrari's current fortunes he is confident it will have the desired affect from 2015 onwards.
"I don't think it has changed an awful lot now," Raikkonen said. "As for the future I think it will be a bit different and, at least from what I've heard, we're going in the right direction. But there's a lot of work to do to get where we should be in the front.
"There's some new people coming and Marco has done a very good job, done the right things with changes, and I'm sure in the future or even next year we will be in a much stronger position - if it's enough - already. I have 100% belief in the team we can get where we should be. It might take a bit of time but I'm sure it's [going to be] a much better position."
One of the biggest changes at Ferrari is yet to happen, with Sebastian Vettel widely believed to be joining the Italian outfit after announcing his split with Red Bull. He is expected to replace Fernando Alonso in the seat alongside Raikkonen but the Finn is refusing to be drawn on what impact a driver change will have.
"The time will tell, really. I have no idea what they are going to do. I have a contract so I'm pretty sure I will be there. The changes will be done for certain reasons, for sure, but it's hard to say what will happen in the future. On the car side I'm sure we will have a much better package for next year. The rest you will have to ask the team."
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