Like the other leading teams, the
regie has completed a massive amount of winter running, with more than 13,300km racked up in 37 'car days' since the opening test of the year on 16 January in
Jerez. In spite of poor weather conditions hampering running at some tests, the team’s cars have averaged over 350km per day - just over a grand prix distance - suggesting that reliability will not be a problem, even if outright pace is still lacking.
"I think we are being realistic about our performance at the moment," executive director of engineering Symonds admitted, "We know we are not in the same position as we were twelve months ago, but we were encouraged by the results of our final pre-season test in Bahrain. There are still areas to work on in order to improve the car, and we know what we have to do. Of course, there is some frustration that we are not out front and leading the field, but it is no more than that. We expected 2007 to be a tough battle – but we are ready for the fight."
Symonds was also praising of the team's line-up, which caused a few raised eyebrows when it was revealed last year.
"Giancarlo has been doing just what we asked of him this winter - he has stepped up to the mark, and is giving that little bit extra following Fernando’s departure, exactly as we had hoped," he said, "As for Heikki, I think he is very focused on making a good start to his
F1 career. He is confident ahead of his debut, and has done a very good job this winter. We are all looking forward to seeing him perform in a grand prix for the first time."
Fisichella won the Australian Grand Prix in 2005, and is looking forward to getting back onto the top step of the podium.
"Albert Park is one of my favourite circuits, and I have very good memories after my win there," the Italian said, "We have a good baseline, and lots of potential in the car; and we have worked hard this winter to be able to fight with the frontrunners at the start of the year. It will not be an easy race, and we don’t expect it to be, but the motivation in the team is very high. I want to score as many points as possible in the early races of the year. If we cannot fight for the win, I will be trying to out-score my rivals, and finish on the podium if it is possible.
BMW and
Williams seem like they are ready to challenge, but I think
Ferrari, McLaren and
Renault will once again be the main favourites."
Kovalainen, meanwhile, is raring to go after a year away from competition.
"I think I started preparing over a year ago, when I joined the team as third driver!" he smiled, "But I was able to learn my job in the best conditions, get to know the team, and visit the factories. It was a long apprenticeship, but now I feel completely ready to go to the next level. I can’t wait to get to Melbourne. I am expecting a tough race, and am preparing for every possibility - I know that I will have to push right to the limit. I want to get to the finish without any problems and finish in the points. I think that would be a good start.
Ferrari – Felipe Massa (#5), Kimi Raikkonen (#6):
Alongside Alonso's move to
McLaren,
Kimi Raikkonen's switch from Woking to Maranello as
Michael Schumacher's repalcement at Ferrari attracted perhaps the most coverage in 2006, but it appears that the Finn has his work cut out if he is to challenge for that elusive F1 title.
