KIMI RAIKKONEN won in his first race for Ferrari, dominating the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne yesterday for his 10th Formula One victory.

Raikkonen started from pole position, and led almost throughout the race to edge world champion Fernando Alonso, who was making his McLaren debut.

“It is special moment with a new team, everything is new, new to win in the first race ... to win straightaway,” Raikkonen said.

McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton, F1’s first black driver, finished third.

Raikkonen ensured Ferrari maintained its momentum after leading winter testing. The Finn, who previously drove for McLaren, joined Ferrari to replace seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, who retired after finishing second on the drivers’ standings last year.

Raikkonen completed the 58 laps of the Albert Park circuit 7.2 seconds ahead of Alonso, with Hamilton 18.5 seconds back.

Hamilton became the first rookie to make the podium on his debut since Canadian Jacques Villeneuve took second at the 1996 Australian GP.

(SD-Agencies)