Jerez Formula 1 test: Kimi Raikkonen calm about Lotus gains

Raikkonen returned to Formula 1 last year after a two-year absence, and was one of the stars of the season, taking one win and finishing in third place in the standings.

The Lotus driver got behind the wheel of the new car for the first time on Thursday and he felt the car was stronger than last year's machine.

The former world champion admitted, however, that it was no guarantee of a stronger season.

"We try to do better and hopefully we manage to do it. Everybody is aiming to do better they did the previous years," said Raikkonen.

"Even if you win the championship you try and improve things and I cannot promise that we will manage to do that, but hopefully that is our aim and hopefully we can do that."

Raikkonen did concede he feels more comfortable at Lotus now that he is starting his second season with the team.

"It is more easy because I know the team, and I know the people, and they know me. But it doesn't mean we will suddenly be better and do better," he said.

"There are an awful lot of things that can work in your favour or go against you.

"In theory it should be more easy. But I don't count on it that we are suddenly going to start to turn it around and start to be something different to how we finished last year.

"Time will tell. It is definitely more easy to come here and be here than it was a year ago because I know the team."