Kimi Raikkonen is convinced he and Ferrari will win again - he just has no idea when.

It is now a little over a year and 18 races ago that Raikkonen last stood on the top step of the podium and savoured the sweet taste of victory champagne.

For a driver accustomed to taking the chequered flag, as the Finn has done on 17 occasions throughout his career, the current drought is proving a thorn in his side.

Raikkonen is at least realistic enough to concede the problems that have so far severely hindered Ferrari, and thrown their entire year into doubt, could have struck at any time.

The fact they have coincided with a major new rule change only adds to the anguish Raikkonen and the team are currently enduring.

Ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, the scene of his last triumph, Raikkonen said: "It was here I had my best weekend with Ferrari: pole, victory and fastest lap.

"Since then I have come very close several times - I'm thinking of Magny-Cours, Montreal and Spa - but, for one reason or another, it's not happened.

"Having said that, a driver never loses the lust for winning, and I want to have that feeling again as soon as possible.

"We all want to win. I know we will, but I don't know when. This is racing. Sometimes it happens you get stuck in a difficult period.

"I've been in Formula One for years and I know a year like this can happen. It's difficult to win all the time.

"But then there were many rule changes and, although the big teams have been in trouble, they will get back on top."

Ferrari will unveil a new aerodynamic package for this weekend's race that notably will include a new rear diffuser as a result of the recent spat all the teams were embroiled in.

Raikkonen's car, in particular, will sport much lighter bodywork due to what the team describe as 'his natural physique and height, which means he weighs more than (team-mate) Felipe Massa.'

The 29-year-old, who finally broke Ferrari's miserable points duck with sixth place in Bahrain 11 days ago, will be praying the improvements pay off.

"We've some updates, especially as far as the aerodynamics are concerned," added Raikkonen.

"I really liked hearing from the team that the new aero package's first signs are positive.

"We'll have more downforce compared to the first four races but almost all of the other teams will show up with some updates.

"We'll see who has done the better work and if we have managed to take a step ahead compared to our competitors. Tomorrow's practice will be really interesting."

With Raikkonen 28 points adrift of leader Jenson Button and Ferrari 47 points behind constructors' frontrunners Brawn GP, the titles are already a long shot.

As Raikkonen added: "We have to be realistic because, as far as the championships are concerned, the situation is difficult.

"We'll give it everything to catch up, to improve the car race after race, but we have to start winning and then we'll see what happens."