Raikkonen: Ferrari still need to improve

The Italian squad's F2008 has been one of the pace-setters in testing since it was unveiled last month, and Raikkonen showed a blistering pace in Bahrain last week, lapping over two seconds quicker than last year's pole position time.

The Finn believes, however, that there is still room for improvement, although he admits he has been pleased with the performance of the new car so far.

"Testing has been going well. This session has also shown problems - small ones - with the F2008. We wanted to get to know the car better, and so we did," Raikkonen was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It's a good start for the Ferrari. There have already been improvements. Obviously reliability hasn't come automatically, but two or three laptimes have already been interesting."

He added: "With the new parts the performance will further improve. We've improved in many areas here, now we look forward to the new aerodynamics we'll try out in the Montmelo test. There we will go against our rivals and we'll know where we stand.

"Obviously we still need to improve a lot, but for me it's easier now compared to 2007. And the car has had a good beginning too.

"The decisive step is the next test. And then Melbourne, because only at the first GP we'll know how the teams compare."

The team's technical director Aldo Costa was also happy with the Bahrain test, although he was sorry about the problems that hit their cars on Sunday.

He said: "Everything went well and according to plans. This track has confirmed to be ideal for testing because it allows you to work with a continuity that is unmatched elsewhere, in consistent conditions. The only regret is for Sunday's problems."