Ferrari expects its 2015 F1 car to suit Kimi Raikkonen better

Raikkonen struggled throughout 2014 with a lack of confidence under braking and on corner entry, which left him unable to regularly challenge team-mate Fernando Alonso.

But with Ferrari chiefs now having a better understanding of what the Finn needs to be successful, the team has made tweaks to the concept of its 2015 F1 challenger.

Technical director James Allison said after the launch of the new SF15-T on Friday that Raikkonen should be better off this year.

"We will only know for sure once we are running on the track, but I hope that the SF-15T will be much more comfortable for him with both a stronger front end in mid corner and more support from the rear under braking," said Allison.

Raikkonen could also be helped by stronger rear tyres from Pirelli - which will help improve confidence when cornering.

"It will be the rear casing that is the most significant," explained Allison.

"It allows the car better support under combined loading conditions and gives the driver more confidence through the corner as a result."

STIFF CHALLENGE TO WIN

Despite optimism that the new Ferrari has addressed many of the weaknesses of last year's car, Allison admits that it will not be straightforward to deliver the wins that the team is targeting.

"No one ever said Formula 1 was supposed to be easy," he said.

"It will be a very stiff challenge to win races in 2015, but we have made good steps forward over the whole car and we hope that this work will translate into a notable step forward in our fortunes."

Allison also confirmed that Toni Cuquerella, Robert Kubica's former race engineer at BMW, would join the team as chief race engineer.