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Champ Kimi Raikkonen tests F2008

World Champion Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen drives the F2008 around the test track at Fiorano in Modena, Italy, on Monday. PHOTO: EPA

Kimi Raikkonen tested Ferrari's 2008 car for the first time on Monday under the watchful eyes of seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher.

Raikkonen completed 55 laps in wet conditions on Ferrari's home track.

Under new rules for this season, the F2008 has no traction control, which could create problems in wet conditions. Although Ferrari said the testing went smoothly.

"The initial feeling was very positive," Raikkonen told the ANSA news agency. "It's nice not to have any problems the first day of testing."

Raikkonen won the driver's title last season in his first year with Ferrari, while the team won the constructor's title for the seventh time in nine years.

"There is only one objective: winning the eighth title in 10 years. Besides, it sounds better than seven out of nine," Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said.

Schumacher, now a special adviser, won five driver's titles with Ferrari from 2000-2004.

Ferrari was helped last season when McLaren was kicked out of the constructor's race for spying on the Italian team.

"I have to commend the FIA, which was able to avoid a loss of credibility for Formula 1. They decided well and quickly," Montezemolo said. "The FIA knew how to show everyone that there are rules and whoever doesn't respect them will find someone who makes them respect the rules."
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