For Ferrari, the other teams hid their true potential in Jerez

A quick look at the results of the pre-season tests in Jerez makes Ferrari the fastest team over these four days. However, Kimi Räikkönen is not under any illusions and keeps in mind that the timers don’t mean much at the beginning of February.

There are still real reasons for satisfaction for the Scuderia, starting with the number of kilometers covered. « We completed a good number of laps and everything worked without any problems, which is the main thing, » the Finn congratulated himself.

The 2015 car also seems to suit his driving style much better: « Compared to last season, I feel much more comfortable with it. For sure, it’s much better than what we had the previous season. » But the 2007 world champion does not intend to rest on his freshly earned laurels: « We obviously have a lot of things to work on and improve. But we have a good base to work from. »

A similar mindset is found in the team director, Maurizio Arrivabene: « If someone makes a comparison with last year, these past few days of testing are as many encouraging signs. (…) I am especially delighted to see that the group has regained its motivation and team spirit. »

The Italian nevertheless reminds that Ferrari’s competitors have most likely not tried to perform fast laps: « In terms of performance, I don’t think our competitors – one in particular [Mercedes, editor’s note] – have revealed their true potential in recent days. I think we will discover the truth about them and about us at the end of the Barcelona tests. »

If we are to believe the team principal of Ferrari, it will therefore be necessary to wait until March 1st, the closing date of pre-season testing, to start making reliable predictions before the inaugural race in Melbourne.