I'm not title favourite, says Raikkonen

Speaking in the Thursday press conference at Melbourne, the Finn said that he fully expected McLaren to present as much of a challenge to Ferrari as they did in 2007.

When asked whether he starts the season as favourite Kimi replied: "No. I think we haven't really started the championship yet, we do the best we can but we expect to do well also in our team, but there are two main teams.

"Anything can really happen," he added. "I think we have a good team and last year we had a very good atmosphere. I think it will be similar this year. I don't know if we are going to be in a stronger position than the other teams, I don't think it will make much difference.

"Like I said we should be in a good position, it is too early to say."

Raikkonen reckons McLaren will still be strong rivals despite Fernando Alonso's exit, although he expects the Spaniard to be slower in the Renault.

"I don't know," he said when asked if McLaren were weaker with Alonso. "For sure Fernando I don't see he is any quicker, he doesn't have as quick a car as last year.

"McLaren I don't know how quick they are. We will see in the next few races and I think there are a lot of people who know what they are doing. I expect them to be strong."