Ferrari surprised at ‘happy’ Raikkonen

New Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene has said that Kimi Raikkonen is noticeably happier this season.

The Finn suffered a dismal year in 2014, as he struggled to get to grips with a Ferrari car which did not suit his driving style.

However, the Italian giants seem to have improved dramatically over the winter, and Arrivabene joked that Raikkonen must be “sick” because he is smiling so much.

He told reporters: “He had his problems [last year]. Problems because he was not feeling the car, especially the front.

“It was not a car that was adapted to the style of Kimi. He is demonstrating these days, he is feeling the car better and he is smiling.

“This is very, very, strange. It is the real scoop of the weekend.”

Arrivabene has been impressed with Raikkonen’s enthusiasm in winter testing, and he pointed to the 35-year-old acting as a mechanic.

“Kimi was also on the ground to move the car and try to adjust something. I asked him ‘what are you doing?’ He said ‘I was a mechanic’.

“This is the atmosphere in the team, all the guys around him were surprised to look at him and to hear him talking and talking and talking.

“I thought we has sick but he is not. It is just enthusiasm and I am sure this year Kimi can demonstrate his level.

“Kimi is very motivated and he is getting on very, very well with [team-mate] Seb [Vettel] and this is great.”

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