Raikkonen aiming to replace Lotus success with Alfa Romeo

Kimi Raikkonen believes Alfa Romeo could pull a surprise this season, much like his former team Lotus did when the 39-year-old returned to Formula 1.

The newly-named Alfa Romeo Racing have closer ties with Ferrari this season and many are tipping the formerly-named Sauber side to impress in F1 this season.

During the 2012 season, Raikkonen returned to F1 following a stint in rallying and NASCAR and then the Finn won two races in as many seasons with the Lotus team - much to people's surprise.

Asked if he could repeat that this campaign, Raikkonen told 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 is joined at the Swiss side by former Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi this season, and the Italian is also very positive about Alfa's chances for the upcoming season.

"Last year, they had a fantastic season," Giovinazzi 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."