Kimi Raikkonen expects a season with a mid-pack fight

Kimi Raikkonen he admitted that he doesn't expect to be at the level of the top riders in 2012.

The Finn is back after a two-year absence after leaving Ferrari. The world champion 2007 has often seen his motivation questioned, with many observers dubious of Raikkonen's tenure Lotus in the absence of a competitive car. Despite this the Finn said that his expectations for 2012 are not high and added that it will not be a new situation for him.

“I expect to fight in the middle of the pack. But it won't be a drama since it won't be any different than my last year Ferrari".

Raikkonen also admitted that he aspires to win another title, but that this was not the main reason for his comeback.

“Without a doubt the championship is the goal, I find it nice to try but I'm not obsessed with winning the title.”

With pre-season testing nearing completion, the Finn has so far driven a 2010 Renault in a private test, and said he will only give his impressions of Lotus' competitiveness once he has tested this year's car in the winter tests.

“Generally, if you feel the car well from the start you are usually competitive (for the season). I don't think the races are much different compared to 2009. Vettel was already strong then and now he has more experience, the only new aspect is that there are a lot of overtaking thanks to the moving wing. I haven't tried it yet and I haven't tried the KERS either since the 2010 car didn't have it. But it will simply be two buttons to press."

Stefano Rifici