07/01/2008
NEWS STORY
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Less than 24-hours after its launch, the Ferrari F2008 was pounding the tarmac at Fiorano, as 2007 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen began his preparations for the defence of his title, and that of the Italian team's Constructors' Championship.
Weather conditions were typical for the region at this time of the year, with Raikkonen completing his entire schedule of 55 laps on rain tyres. Though the Finn was not aiming at competitive lap times, his best lap (1:00.897) was highly respectable as the team prepares for next week's major test at Jerez.
"The first impressions of the new car were very positive," Raikkonen told reporters at the conclusion of the session. "I don't think we have to make any improvements at the moment. There were some problems today and we still don't have the final tyres; but the impression was really fine. Next week we have further possibilities to see how the car behaves."
Asked about the driveability of a lower and shorter car, without traction control, the Finn said: "I don't have many points of reference. I can only compare it to the last car. I did a test without traction control before Christmas and I have to say that first of all you have to drive very cautiously and consider that a car with traction control is fast and might respond a little bit faster. The first impression is really positive and you can handle the car even without the traction control.
"The weather could have been better today," he added, "but it is really nice to drive this single-seater."
To check out our Ferrari F2008 debut gallery, click here