Raikkonen backs Ferrari's 2015 shake-up

Kimi Raikkonen believes the recent changes at Ferrari, including the recruitment of Sebastian Vettel and Maurizio Arrivabene, will help drive them forward in 2015.

Vettel was formally confirmed as a Ferrari driver on the eve of the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi, having signed a three-year deal with the Scuderia. Just one day after the race, Ferrari then announced that Arrivabene had taken over from Marco Mattiacci as Formula One team principal.

"I've known Maurizio Arrivabene for a long time I believe he is an extremely competent person and perfect for the role of team principal that he has been given," Raikkonen told Ferrari's official website.

"Maurizio has known Ferrari and the business of Formula 1 for a long time and I believe he has the ability to motivate and push the team back to the level it deserves to be at. Everyone in the team, in every area of activity will now have to tackle a lot of hard work to get the new car ready."

Speaking about the arrival of Vettel, who spent time in the Ferrari garage during the recent two-day test at Yas Marina, Raikkonen added: "It was nice that he joined us in the garage for the first day of testing, although I have to say that didn't surprise me, because I know what he's like and his approach to work.

"I think we can enjoy ourselves on track together, both of us fighting to be ahead of the other, while also working as a team to reach the common target of progressing in order to get the Scuderia back to the level it should be at.

"The team's priorities are clear and we are well aware what are the areas that did not match up to our expectations. I am sure that thanks to the knowledge we acquired over the course of the season, we will be able to develop a more competitive car. I have every confidence in the ability of the team."