Kimi Raikkonen is "not expecting miracles" from Ferrari's Canadian Grand Prix engine upgrade even though he thinks it will deliver a performance boost.
Ferrari has introduced changes to both the turbo and compressor for this weekend's race. The Circuit de Gilles Villeneuve is a power sensitive track and Ferrari will be hoping the upgrade translates into a smaller gap to Mercedes out in front, with Red Bull also now believed to be in the mix after its recent resurgence.
Raikkonen is keeping his expectations around the upgrade in check.
"We fully exploit [the engine] all the time but this is a step forward," Raikkonen said. "How much of one time will tell. It is a new part, we would never put a new part on if we didn't think it could improve us but what kind of step? I wouldn't expect miracles but it is definitely the right direction.
"It is something we have waiting for a while but it is like all the new parts we bring, not something magic, a very normal working progress as a team."
Teammate Sebastian Vettel is taking a similar approach to the new engine.
"We have some bits here that we believe in," the German driver said. "Obviously, the bits we've brought here weren't made yesterday so there is always a certain plan. There are some more bits to come, obviously, but you definitely have some expectations and need to wait and see what happens on the track and that is what we are going to find out. we also need to see what other people are doing, what other people are bringing, so it's the same old game I would say... We hope that we have better bits, more bits, to put us in a better position."
Despite big expectations coming into the season Ferrari is still searching for its first win of 2016. Raikkonen expects the team will soon start delivering the results it should be.
"We are definitely stronger with the car in certain areas than last year but the results have shown that exactly. It has not been the easiest of starts for us as a team but as long as we do our stuff and keep working it will pay off. The package has improved and we are working on it all the time on our weaknesses and where we want to improve. You always hope for better results and wins with the two cars up there but it has been tricky."