Raikkonen has shown some promising pace on his return to Formula One but circumstances have conspired to leave him with just seventh and fifth placed finishes from the opening two races.

The issues began in Barcelona when Lotus were forced to miss effectively the entire second pre-season test due to a chassis issue and continued with qualifying troubles in both the Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix.

Raikkonen has been left frustrated that he has not been able to achieve the results that the car is capable of but is confident that the team's fortunes will change.

"I think we've got off to an encouraging start," Raikkonen told Lotus' official website.

Frustrating

"It's been frustrating sometimes with the chassis issues in testing, the qualifying mix-up in Australia and the gearbox change in Malaysia.

"But we've shown we can deal with any problems and come back stronger. The car feels good and we clearly have the pace to be at the front. We just need some better luck."

The 2007 World Champion, who competed in rallying for two years before choosing to come back to F1, says he his new team have given him a warm welcome.

He added: "The team has done a good job and I'm working well with them which makes things easier. It's a different atmosphere to what I've experienced before.

"Everyone is very open and laid-back, but at the same time they work extremely hard and pay a lot of attention to detail. I feel comfortable here which helps me to focus on racing."