Kimi expecting better results on twisty circuits

Kimi Raikkonen feels Ferrari will have to improve the Energy Recovery System on its car if it is to close the gap to its quicker Formula 1 rivals.

The Scuderia has struggled for straightline speed all season and suffered a disastrous home grand prix in Italy recently, where it failed to qualify inside the top six and recorded a best result of ninth with Raikkonen.

Fernando Alonso’s ERS failed at Monza, causing his first mechanical retirement as a Ferrari driver since 2010, while Raikkonen struggled to make progress from 11th place on the grid.

The Finn also found wheel-to-wheel battle difficult during the previous race in Belgium, and said energy recovery and deployment was a particular weakness of the F14 T compared to the Mercedes-engined cars and the Red Bull-Renaults.

“I think in the race conditions it’s one point that we have to look at,” said Raikkonen, when asked by AUTOSPORT if a weak ERS was why Ferrari struggled for straightline speed in races.

“But during the season it’s not so easy [because of the engine freeze].

“I’m sure we can make a 100 per cent improvement over the winter.

“We have made some improvements already and I think if you look at certain engine manufacturers [compared to us] over one lap it’s not too bad, but then in a race distance we seem to be struggling a bit in certain places.”

Raikkonen said he expected upcoming races on more twisty circuits than Spa and Monza to suit Ferrari’s F14 T better.

When asked whether he expected stronger form from Ferrari during the next race in Singapore, Raikkonen said: “It’s hard to say as it’s a different year and different car [fore me].

“We expected this here [Monza] to be difficult, but I think the next few circuits will suit us as they’re not so long or so fast.

“We have to go there and see how the car is, but I expect to be in a stronger position.”

[ Source: autosport.com ]