Alonso jokes Raikkonen struggle ’no surprise’

Fernando Alonso could not resist a mischievous joke on Thursday when asked about teammate Kimi Raikkonen’s struggles so far in 2014.

Finn Raikkonen has struggled notably at Ferrari since returning to his 2007 title-winning team, but for the moment the high-pressure Maranello marque is backing him.

"He has class written all over him," said technical director James Allison, "and in a very short space of time I’m sure we will also see the results of that on the track."

When asked about the gap between himself and Raikkonen so far this season, however, Alonso undoubtedly recalled the pre-season banter that suggested his ’number 1’ crown at Ferrari may finally be in doubt.

"Usually I beat my teammates," the Spaniard joked, according to Finland’s MTV3. "So it’s not a big surprise."

More seriously, Alonso said Ferrari is working hard to get "both Ferraris" fully up to speed.

"We are not in a position at the moment that we expect," he said ahead of his home grand prix.

"The start of Kimi was not the best in terms of points but I think hopefully soon they will be close to the podium or to the victories and we - both Ferraris - can score many points for the team."