Ferrari's new sports version Raikkonen, won the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne, beating Fernando Alonso's McLaren Mercedes in the 58 lap by 7.2s after easing up the closing stages.

Starting from his 12th pole position, the Finn was only headed during pit stops, and admitted that his only problem was a radio failure before the race started, although entirely different cause i.e. water leakage was reported by his team after the race.

Rivalling Raikkonen for the title of star of the show was the Formula One rookie.  Lewis Hamilton had pulled up McLaren teammate fairly well for much of the race but could only finish as a fine third. Felipe Massa came charging through from the back of the grid to finish sixth.