Raikkonen welcomes Vettel arrival

SebastianVettelKimiRaikkonen

Vettel's much-anticipated switch to Ferrari was finally confirmed on Thursday, together with news of Fernando Alonso's exit after five years with the Italian team.

A world champion on four occasions with Red Bull, Vettel has signed a three-year contract and will be eager to challenge for another title when he links up with Raikkonen, who lifted his only Formula One crown to date in 2007 during his first spell at Ferrari.

The Finn has struck up a positive relationship with Vettel and is hopeful the duo can prosper following a year of Mercedes dominance.

"I think it will be nice to be with him in the same team," said Raikkonen.

"Obviously the main objective is to get the Ferrari team in a position where we can be near the front of the field.

"Of course we will be trying to beat each other all the time but I think we can have fun and get things done in a good way.

"I haven't worked with him in the same team but I know him best of all the guys.

"Our relationship has always been very straightforward and I don't expect any changes on that side. I expect to have a normal and good relationship and hopefully we can get the team back to where we should be.

"I am sure we can do that, but only time will tell. I trust the people that are designing the new car 100 per cent.

"We know it will be much better, but it depends what other people will do. Will it be good enough? We will find out next year."

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