Ferrari: Raikkonen favourite for 2008

"Yes, definitely," Ferrari told Gazzetta dello Sport when asked if Raikkonen was favourite for next season. "In the first season he broke the ice, found confidence and belief in the team.

"He will have a car that better suits his driving style, because I think that was the problem at one time last year: his style did not suit the F2007 and viceversa."

Raikkonen took the title in surprising style in the final race of the season in Brazil after overcoming a 17-point difference with two races remaining.

The Maranello team will kick off their 2008 preparations today, unveiling their new challenger before it begins testing on Monday.

Ferrari believes the F2008 will be a significant step forward compared to last year's machine.

"The F2007 wasn't always the fastest car nor the most reliable," Ferrari added. "But Ferrari did a perfect job in the last race and that's how we won.

"The F2008 must be more reliable, because to get the titles you need to finish the races. I'm less worried about performance."

Ferrari also reckons few things will change now the Stefano Domenicali has taken over Jean Todt as head of the Italian squad.

"I think there will be little change. Everyone has his own way of dealing with things, but at the top there's a solid organization as could be seen last year. In 2008 there are fewer new people, so I don't expect any traumas."