Kimi Raikkonen says Melbourne win doesn't put pressure on Lotus

The Finn triumphed in Australia last weekend after taking advantage of his car's superior tyre management at Albert Park.

With the team hopeful that the heat and track layout at Sepang will help it even more this time out - allied to development upgrades that include exhaust and bodywork changes - Lotus is a serious contender for another win this weekend.

When asked how he felt to be the man with a target on his back in Malaysia, Raikkonen said: "It is not a target - and we don't do anything different this weekend compared to the previous race or last year.

"Being the leader makes no difference to what we do this weekend, or any other weekend.

"We will try to do the best and hopefully we can score some good points."

Although the heat of Malaysia is set to play to the strengths of the Lotus car, Raikkonen admits he is not a fan of the tough conditions drivers must face.

"I don't enjoy the heat and humidity of the place, but the circuit is nice," he said.

"We know how it is going to be here. Usually it gives a good race and that is the main thing."