Kimi Raikkonen on Monday showed a tentative thumbs-up to Ferrari’s new car after giving the F2008 its maiden shakedown at the Fiorano circuit in Italy.
The team’s private test facility was bathed in light fog and cold and damp conditions throughout the day, but – in between short runs that ultimately numbered 55 laps – the Finn said his first impression was a “positive” one.
“The weather could have been better today. Next week we have further possibilities to see how the car behaves,” world champion Raikkonen added, referring to the upcoming major test at Jerez, where his teammate Felipe Massa will also drive.
“There were some problems today and we still don’t have the final tyres; but the impression was really fine.
“You can handle the car even without the traction control,” he added.
Also present for the F2008’s first miles were Felipe Massa, Luca di Montezemolo, Jean Todt and even Michael Schumacher, the retired seven time world champion who still acts as a part-time ‘advisor’ for the Maranello based outfit.
Ferrari CEO Todt made it clear that he is not happy that the F2008 is fitted with a mandatory electronics system developed by MES, a company owned by and based at McLaren’s headquarters in Surrey.
“It is obvious that McLaren, at least at the start, has an advantage for the championship,” the Frenchman is quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“We are not alone (in this opinion), but I think the FIA has taken notice.
“It is clear that the situation is being closely monitored,” Todt said.
