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."
Share 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
David Coulthard: Miami GP may not reveal true impact of F1 rule tweaks
Mark Webber’s Oscar Piastri role change was inevitable, says David Coulthard
Red Bull faces "awkward" Gianpiero Lambiase dilemma ahead of McLaren move, says David Coulthard
Lewis Hamilton turns heads with bold runway Saint Laurent look at F1 Miami GP
David Coulthard explains why Ferrari can't argue against F1 race start regulation tweak
How Ferrari must step up its efforts to end its long F1 championship wait
Lewis Hamilton turns heads with bold runway Saint Laurent look at F1 Miami GP
Martin Brundle warns Red Bull faces Max Verstappen retention challenge
Alex Albon explains why F1 drivers were "united" in FIA regulation talks
David Coulthard explains why Ferrari can't argue against F1 race start regulation tweak
Top 10 worst follow-ups to title-winning F1 cars
Hill's 1996 F1 title - in Autosport covers
Bottas' mental health column is brutal, but also shows how F1 is changing
The grand prix that never was – but did happen
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