Australian GP – Ferrari wants a better start than in 2008

Kimi Räikkönen does not wish to make predictions for the Australian Grand Prix even though Scuderia had a rather successful winter. The Finn remains hopeful to see his team be very competitive from the inaugural race of the 2009 season.

As for Felipe Massa, he has accumulated a little more confidence than his teammate. The important point that needs to be different from last year is to start this 2009 season at the top and not repeat the mistakes of the past… A better start to the 2008 season might have changed the dynamics in the title race.

Kimi Räikkönen – Racing Driver

« Ferrari was very competitive during the tests, but we will truly see the potential of the F60 in Melbourne, where we will meet the other teams. The cars will have roughly the same amount of fuel. We will then be able to see who is the strongest and then wait a few races to have an even broader view. It is difficult to make predictions due to the many changes in the regulations. »

« Albert Park is a very unique circuit, just like the city itself. I can confirm that I prefer the F60 over last year’s F2008. It is much more pleasant to drive and it reminds me more of the single-seater I used in some past years. »

« It’s always a good thing for a driver and a team to get off to a good start in the championship, especially when we remember how the last two seasons ended. I won by a single point in 2007 and my teammate (Felipe Massa) missed out by one point in 2008. This means that every point counts. Two years ago, I won in Australia while we had some problems last year. Our goal this year is to immediately secure big points. »

Felipe Massa – Race Car Driver

« It was a long wait, longer than usual since this first GP of the season was moved to the end of March. But now, we are ready for the race and I can’t wait any longer!

« I am going to Australia filled with confidence and optimism, but also with a certain caution: Test results are not always a repeat of the race weekend. During these tests, we saw that other teams are very strong, especially in the last sessions with Brawn GP. It seems that they have the fastest car at the moment, and I believe their pace is very real; they may have found something that makes the difference. »

« I am 100% ready, perfectly fit, and I think this also applies to the team. We made some mistakes last year and we worked hard all winter to improve. Everyone worked by analyzing the mistakes, trying to find solutions. »

« My teammate is always my main competitor, and I think Kimi will be very strong as usual. My goal is very simple: I want to have a season at the same level as 2008, and to achieve this goal, I must stay focused and work very hard. »