Scuderia Ferrari Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen is confident the Maranello team can bounce back and once again be able to challenge Mercedes after a very difficult home race at Monze, where the expectations were high for Ferrari, but the outcome of the Italian Grand Prix was somewhat disappointing given the huge gap to Mercedes, who finished on the top two places of the podium – a deficit Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne described as “embarrassing”.
Formula 1 now heads to its hottest race and the heat is firmly on the Maranello team to deliver in Singapore. Ferrari have held the edge on high downforce circuits so far this season and Kimi Raikkonen hopes the Scuderia will be able full advantage of the Marina Bay Street Circuit characteristics. The Finnish driver has not managed to win in Singapore, but confirms that he enjoys the race: “I really like going to Singapore. It’s a great place to be, I love the local food, and I don’t mind the unusual times we run in the car as it means I don’t have to get up so early. I only have to podiums in Singapore, but that doesn’t mean I’m not quick there.” – Kimi explained, as reported by the Italian media.
Asked about the differences of racing at night, the Finnish driver added: “In the first years of the race being held I was a little bit surprised by how people were talking so much about the different timing. Obviously when they switched on the lights it was exactly the same as racing in the day time. I think everybody in Formula 1 enjoys the night race. It’s worked out really well as Singapore is a buzzing city and lots of people turn up. Apart from one or two dark spots in the run-off areas the circuit is very well lit, so there is not a big difference to racing in the day.”
“Monaco was good for us, so there is no reason why Singapore should be different. Like at every street circuit it’s very difficult to pass other cars there, so starting the race as high as possible on the grid is very an important factor in getting a good result on Sunday. After these two weekends it’s nice to get back to a circuit we expect to be more suited to our car. We seem to go better at high downforce circuits that’s for sure.” – the Finnish driver continued ahead of the 2017 Singapore Grand Prix.
“Obviously, the podium is a target again. We have been outscored by Mercedes in the last two races so we need to score as many as we can in the remaining races this season.” – Scuderia Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen concluded.
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