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."
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