Raikkonen full of confidence after test

Despite crashing in the rain on Tuesday afternoon, Raikkonen has dominated the testing times so far this week and he believes modifications to the F2007 have increased its overall speed and made him much more confident with its handling.

"We've learned a lot," said Raikkonen after returning to the pits following his small off at Turn 3, where he just kissed the tyre barriers without suffering any major damage.

"You never know what the others are doing, but for the race we are more confident. The car feels very good here, so let's wait and see what happens."

Raikkonen is most happy with his own personal confidence in the car, having faced a stronger than expected challenge from teammate Felipe Massa in the first three races of the year.

"I found a better set-up for myself and the car seems to be handling the way I want now," said Raikkonen. "I think we are in a much stronger position now.

"(The championship) started three races ago, but the points are very close and nothing has been lost so far. It is important to have good races now. We have a good package, I have got a better setup and I am much happier than in the first three races. I think it is good."

Raikkonen confessed that he had not been happy with certain characteristics of the car in the first races of the campaign, and knew that only proper testing would help him overcome the issues.

"The car was good and getting better, but it was never quite right," he said. "I was not happy after qualifying in Melbourne and the same in Malaysia. We knew the problem but we could not do anything between the races. But finally we found something, which is definitely better for me."

Raikkonen believes the improvements should help keep the team ahead of McLaren at the Spanish Grand Prix - although he is unsure exactly how much of an advantage they currently have.

"I think we have improved a lot since the last race, and we understand the car more. That is the main thing. Sure we want to win the race and we will see what we can do, but I am now much happier going into the race than the last couple of events

"We have found something which is definitely much better for me. I think we can use the full potential of the car now."