Räikkönen: The podium is achievable in Bahrain

Lotus F1 Team had made numerous changes in Shanghai but the British team was forced to revert to the old package after being stuck in the pits on Friday due to rain. The E20 remained efficient in the race, Romain Grosjean having claimed sixth place while Kimi Räikkönen fought for a podium before falling in the standings. “We went back to the old package for Saturday because we knew how it worked. Qualifying went well but there was a significant gap to pole. Unlike others, our car was not evolved. The E20 remained pleasant to drive but we just need a little more speed. I hope we will have it in Bahrain. »

After his disappointment at the Chinese Grand Prix, Kimi Räikkönen intends to bounce back in Bahrain where he has distinguished himself in the past. For the Finn, a first podium with Lotus F1 Team would be a satisfying result. “I took a second place and three third positions in Bahrain”, Iceman recalls. “We won't know the level of the single-seater until we go there. We will perhaps be able to install the developments on the single-seater and be faster than in China. A podium should be possible as has been the case in all the races already contested. »

Discover the analysis of the Chinese Grand Prix carried out by our special correspondents in the new issue of AUTOhebdo, available today in digital version on iPad and tomorrow on newsstands.