(Scuderia Ferrari SpA via Twitter)
Ferrari team principal Marco Mattiacci has defended Kimi Raikkonen's performances so far this season insisting that the Finn is improving following a difficult return to the team in 2014. Raikkonen has been comprehensively outshone by team mate Fernando Alonso.
Raikkonen's best result so far this season is a fourth place which he achieved at the Belgian Grand Prix in August while Alonso's best result is second place which came at the Hungarian Grand Prix while he scored a third place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix. The Spaniard is currently in 6th place in the championship while Raikkonen is currently in 12th place.
Mattiacci stated:
'Definitely we see the pace of Kimi improving. Does it translate immediately with more points in the races? It's evident it's not, but there are a series of events that didn't allow this. But he's increasing the speed.'
Raikkonen started the inaugural Russian Grand Prix in Sochi from 8th place on the grid and finished the race in 9th place to score 2 points.
The Finn stated following the race that his lack of progress in Russia was down to him being pushed aside by one of the Toro Rosso's going into Turn 1 on the opening lap and from then on he was left to preserve fuel and also blamed a lack of straight line speed with his F14-T.
The Iceman is hoping that the next race in Austin, Texas will be better suited to the characteristics of the F14-T.
© Ben Johnston 2014
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