Kimi Raikkonen isn’t ready to make any predictions for his first season back with Sauber but is looking forward to the “different” challenge.
The Swiss outfit enjoyed a strong upturn in performance last year as a closer relationship with Ferrari, including a partnership with Alfa Romeo, saw them finish eighth in the Constructors Championship with their best points total, 48, since 2015.
Raikkonen, who joins on a two-year deal, got to taste last year’s car at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi but admits setting a goal for this season isn’t yet on his mind.
“I haven’t really thought about it, we’ll see once we start driving the new cars,” he said.
“Obviously it’s a different challenge but I enjoy that, so that’s why I took it. If you ask many people there are many different opinions on how it will go.
“We’ll find out and we’ll do our best and I think we have a good chance to do some great things.
“Where that is going to take us, who knows? We’ll find out.”
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The 2007 Formula 1 champion surprised a few with his decision to re-join Sauber, the team he started with back in 2001, and does have some expectations as to how it’ll be different from racing with Ferrari.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Raikkonen said. “It’s going to be different in many ways, but the aim will still be the same.
“It’s more pure racing than the other stuff there. Hopefully, it will turn out to be good for both of us – that’s the aim.
“I think that’s what we can do but I’m maybe completely wrong, but I have a good feeling about it and that’s why I accepted to go back there.”