Raikkonen Delighted with McLaren Move

Kimi Raikkonen, the 21-year-old Finn who will replace compatriot Mika Hakkinen at McLaren, is looking forward to racing for the British-based team and glad to be starting on even terms with David Coulthard.

McLaren announced on Friday that twice former World Champion Hakkinen would be taking a break at the end of the current season to allow him to spend more time with his family.

"It is very nice for me and I am very happy to be with McLaren," said the quietly spoken Raikkonen. "I didn't want to go somewhere as a number two driver and McLaren has always had two drivers," added the Finn.

Sauber driver Raikkonen drove a Formula One car for the first time last September at Mugello in testing and picked up his first point in the World Championship at Melbourne where he finished sixth.

Asked whether he had been expecting to move to a top squad after just a year in the sport, Raikkonen said: "No. I wasn't even expecting this time last year to be in Formula One. Everything has happened in a very small time"

The Finn revealed he had yet to visit McLaren headquarters and declined to give details of how long a contract he had signed with the team. He said, though, he would leave Sauber on good terms with owner Peter Sauber.

"There are still good relations and I give big thanks to him for giving me the chance to come into Formula One," said Raikkonen, who dismissed suggestions that it would be easier for him next season with the resources and expertise of a big team behind him.

"The only thing that can be easier is that I know what is going on in Formula One but it will take time to get used to a new team," said the Finn.