Ferrari: « Räikkönen is the favorite for 2008 »

The vice-president of Scuderia, Piero Ferrari, believes that Kimi Räikkönen will be the favorite to win the title in 2008 after clinching his first crown last year.

« Yes, certainly, » Ferrari said to Gazzetta dello Sport when asked if Räikkönen was the favorite for the next season.

« For the first season, he discovered the trust and beliefs of the team and more generally the team itself. »

« In 2008, he will have a car that suits his driving style better, because I think the problem last year was that his style did not suit the F2007 and vice-versa. »

Räikkönen became world champion despite being the lowest ranked among the three drivers alongside Hamilton and Alonso. It all came down to the last race in Brazil, but what is most surprising is that the Finn managed to overcome a 17-point deficit in the last two Grand Prix.

The Maranello team will kick off their 2008 season today with the presentation of their new car before starting testing on Monday.

Ferrari believes that the F2008 will be a big step forward compared to last year’s car.

« The F2007 was not always the fastest and most reliable car. But Ferrari did a perfect job in the last race and that’s why we won, » he added.

« The F2008 must be more reliable because to win championships, you have to finish races. I am less concerned about performance. »

Ferrari believes that little will change with Stefano Domenicali now in the position of sporting director in place of Jean Todt.

« I believe there will be little change. In 2008, there will be nine fewer people, but I don’t expect any trauma. »