Raikkonen insists "easy" transition to Alfa made doubts vanish

Kimi Raikkonen has revealed an "easy" transition to Alfa Romeo Racing ensured the doubts over his move from Ferrari quickly disappeared.

Raikkonen replaced Ferrari-bound Charles Leclerc to return to Sauber (now known as Alfa Romeo) during last season.

Alfa have made an encouraging start in the pre-season testing in Barcelona last week and the 2007 world champion has admitted that his off-the-track preparations have gone very smoothly.

"It's a different team but I don't think it's better or worse," Raikkonen explained to Motorsport.com, when asked if he felt the team was a better fit personally for him than his former side Ferrari.

"We've been working for a while now and everything felt smooth (in testing). It's a very normal way (of working). When I'm driving, I don't feel any different.

"There is always doubt, changing teams. It could be difficult to go and start getting things how you like, but so far it's been a very easy transition. It's a great group of people. It's not as big as my previous team, but they are good people and everything is running nicely."

Raikkonen will be alongside former Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi for the upcoming season as Alfa Romeo look to make a name for themselves.