Kimi Raikkonen predicts 'great things' with new Ferrari F1 deal

After months of speculation over the 2007 F1 world champion's future, Ferrari announced on Wednesday it would retain Raikkonen alongside Sebastian Vettel for 2016.

"I've had good years, difficult years and ups and downs, but I've always enjoyed it," said Raikkonen of his two Ferrari stints so far.

"Obviously you enjoy it more when things are going more nicely, but as a team I've had a great time there and I'm very pleased that we can be working together next year again.

"I feel that we're going in the right direction and we can do great things in the future.

"People are more happy when we can do better results and you guys [the media] write less negative things after that.

"But we keep working and we believe in what we're doing.

"I'm sure we will get there and we will have many, many happy days in front of us and a lot of good results."

Vettel expressed his support for Raikkonen while Ferrari was deliberating its options, which the Finn said showed their working relationship was beneficial for the team.

"We have a very good feeling of respect in the team," he said.

"We want to beat each other in the race but we can still be friends as before.

"I think that is also very good for us as a team."

He denied that having a 2016 deal secured would boost his confidence and help his performance in the remaining grands prix of this season.

"It doesn't change anything. I'll still try to do the same as every other," Raikkonen said.

"The contract thing is not going to change our approach for the weekend or the end result."