F1: Raikkonen happier with 2016 car

Kimi Raikkonen says he is happier with the front end of Ferrari's new Formula 1 car than he was last year, following his first day in the SF16-H.

Raikkonen took over the car on Wednesday following Sebastian Vettel's two pacesetting days to start F1 pre-season testing, but essentially missed the morning session as Ferrari undertook fuel system checks. He finished the day third on the timesheets, with his 1m25.977s lap set on Pirelli's medium-compound tire.

"I think the first feeling is quite nice," Raikkonen said. "The handling is good. In many areas we need to improve on last year and the front end is one area. The team has done a very good job, getting it ready, I am happy with that."

After turning just four installation laps before lunch, Raikkonen said his afternoon focus was building mileage across short runs, rather than experimenting with the new car's setup.

"I'm sure the car is already better than what we had last year," he added. "We improved in many areas and it's very early days, especially for me, with the car.

"There's no problem, and we haven't changed a single thing on the front. I'm happy so far, but there is still a lot of things to put in there.

"Just jumping in the car, not doing anything to it and driving. It's not too bad, it's pretty OK, so I'm sure we can find some things."

Originally on Autosport.com