MELBOURNE, April 2 - Kimi Raikkonen says McLaren have caught up with
Formula One champions Renault despite being beaten into second place by Fernando
Alonso in Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.
"I am really pleased because we now have a package which is level with the
Renaults which I think we demonstrated today," the Finn told reporters.
Raikkonen, winner of seven races last year, clocked the fastest lap of the
race with his final circuit of the Albert Park track and finished 1.8 seconds
behind the 24-year-old champion.
Starting fourth, he benefitted from Giancarlo Fisichella stalling his Renault
on the grid in an aborted first start that sent the Italian to the pit lane. He
then overtook Jenson Button to take second place on lap 10.
His final lap of one minute 26.045 seconds was the fastest of the day but
Alonso, easing down to protect his engine for the next race at Imola, was under
no pressure.
"I was really pushing but in the final safety car period one of the Midland
cars was between Fernando and I, which meant I was unable to get really close to
have a go," said Raikkonen.
"It was an enjoyable race, and I can't wait for Imola."
Team mate Juan Pablo Montoya saw it differently after following up an
embarrassing formation lap spin with retirement on lap 45 when a detour onto the
grass triggered an engine safety system.
"I think I could have finished on the podium," said the Colombian, who was
challenging Ralf Schumacher for third when his race was ended.
"As I was pushing to get past Ralf I hit the kerb at the start of the
straight and went into a bit of a wobble but managed to save it.
"Unfortunately the impact activated a default system which switched off the
engine and that was the end of my race. It's a real shame as our package felt
fantastic."
The result meant Raikkonen joined Giancarlo Fischella on 14 points, half the
total so far accrued by Spaniard Alonso. McLaren trail Renault 42 to 23 in the
constructors' championship.