Raikkonen Reveals Pitstop Scare

The Finn had dominated the early stages of the race to extend a small advantage over Fernando Alonso, and was one of a few drivers who chose to stay out in the wake of the Safety Car being called out when Christijan Albers spun at Mirabeau.

Speaking after the race, Raikkonen revealed that the decision was stay out was purely by accident because he had already driven by the pitlane entry when the team called him in.

And that meant that his only way of guaranteeing the victory was to open out a massive cushion over the pursuing pack

"I was a bit worried when the Safety Car came out because I missed the pitlane," said Raikkonen. "The team was telling me the Safety Car wasn't out and as I went past the pitlane they told me to come in - and it was a bit late.

"They said I needed 20 seconds for the pitstop, so I pushed hard - and before the pitstop I knew I had a reasonable lead."

Once Raikkonen emerged from his pitstop with a lead over Alonso, who was then struggling with excessive tyre wear, the Finn said he just took it fairly easy until the finish line.

"I didn't go 100 percent after the pitstop," he added. "I was just driving around and if you slow down too much with the tyres then you lose heat, so it was a bit difficult but easily okay.

"It went well for us, so I think the car has been working very well and we had a good tyre choice because they lasted well."

When asked what it meant to win Monaco, Raikkonen said: "It is of course a special place. A few years ago I couldn't get past Montoya but now finally it has happened so I am very happy.

"This is like every race in that you get 10 points, but it is a special place - and for sure we will have a good party tonight."