Raikkonen is first 2013 title leader
'Fantastic' result for Alonso and great start of a season for Kimi Raikkonen
Mar.17 (GMM) Kimi Raikkonen is the surprise world championship leader, after winning the season-opening Australian Grand Prix at the wheel of the fast and tyre-friendly Lotus.
Coming in behind the Finn, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso described the Melbourne result as "fantastic", particularly as he beat pole-sitter and traditional rival Sebastian Vettel, who many thought would be unbeatable on Sunday.
Vettel said on the podium: "The first few laps were ok but then the tyres started to fall apart.
"Lotus and Ferrari had incredible pace and we were third quickest."
Spaniard Alonso admitted it is a "worry" that Raikkonen's Lotus coped better with the high degradation of the new Pirelli tyres -- of the top six finishers, only the Finn was able to make just two pitstops.
Alonso said: "We only have five days to prepare for the next race (Malaysia) but we will again be a tough opponent."
Be part of Motorsport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Pirelli chief calls for radical F1 overhaul
Coulthard: New York’s F1 ‘Eau Rouge rival’ would be “perfect”
How Alesi finished second after running back to the F1 pits
Remember when: Schumacher and Coulthard clashed at soaking Spa
2024 F1 Chinese GP sprint qualifying results: Lando Norris takes pole
Sainz will have to "survive with what we have" in China F1 sprint
What's been going wrong for Leclerc in F1's tiny margins qualifying game
Streets of Long Beach receive changes ahead of the IMSA, IndyCar doubleheader
The Chinese Grand Prix's Chaotic Return and Cloudy Future
Kirkwood: “More durable” tires hindering passing on street circuits in 2024
IndyCar Long Beach: Start times, how to watch on TV, entry list & more
The short-term pain that hides a very real Williams improvement
How a Shanghai to Sheffield journey paved the way for China’s F1 hero
Why F1 2026 worst-case fears could be key to new rules success
How the F1 driver market situation sits for each team with 2025 openings
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments