(Scuderia Ferrari via Twitter)
Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen believes that his team have what it takes to catch up with Mercedes, Formula One's current pace-setters. Speaking ahead of this weekend's Bahrain GrandPrix, Raikkonen said:
'Obviously they have been looking strong over the test and over the first two races, but I am sure we have some big gains that will come'.
Ferrari have brought revised suspension components for the F14T and the team hope that the new parts will help front end of the car. Despite the arrival of the new parts Raikkonen is under no illusions.
When asked about their performance in Malaysia, Raikkonen said: 'Overall we were much better but we were not where we wanted to be'
The 2007 champion will be hoping to kick start his championship challenge this weekend as he is currently in 9th place in the Driver's championship thanks to his 7th place finish in the opening race of the season in Melbourne.
Raikkonen has never won in Bahrain but has finished 2nd there in his last two visits there when he drove for the Lotus F1 Team in 2012 and 2013.
In contrast, team mate Fernando Alonso has won the GrandPrix in Bahrain three times. Although the team don't expect to win the race on Sunday they will at least be hoping to be challenging for a podium finish.
The cooler temperatures should suit the F14T as the race will be held at night. Both Raikkonen and Alonso will be hoping that the improvements being brought to the car this weekend will help them to move up the field both in terms of qualifying and in relation to race pace.
©Ben Johnston 2014
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