Raikkonen hopes to emulate Lotus success with Alfa Romeo

Kimi Raikkonen is quietly hoping for a race win in 2019, despite leaving Ferrari for Alfa Romeo. The Finn believes Alfa – formerly Sauber – can spring a surprise this year, much like the Lotus team Raikkonen drive for prior to rejoining Ferrari managed.

With closer ties to Ferrari coming to the Hinwil outfit this year, many are tipping Alfa for 'best of the rest' status – and perhaps even better.

In 2012, the now 39-year-old Raikkonen returned to F1 following a rallying and NASCAR sabbatical, and won two races in two seasons with the Lotus team.

Asked if he can repeat that now, he told Italy's Automoto: "I hope so.

"But I don't know what our competitiveness is. The order in the middle is very close.

"It will also depend on who will make their car faster during the year. We will try to do a good job from the beginning and then go from there."

Raikkonen's teammate, Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, is also hoping for a fast Alfa Romeo.

"Last year they had a fantastic season," he said. "They started at the back but by the end of the year were always in the top 10.

"We just have to start as they finished and then improve ourselves during the season, bringing home as many points as possible."

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