I belong in Formula 1, says Raikkonen

Raikkonen, who actually finished seventh on-the-road but was elevated a place when Olivier Panis was penalised for overtaking under the safety car, says he proved a point to FIA President Max Mosley in Melbourne. Mosley was against Raikkonen leaping into the sport's highest echelon directly from junior category Formula Renault.

"The fact that Max Mosley didn't think I was ready for Formula 1 made it all the more satisfying," Raikkonen told British national newspaper the Sunday Mirror. "I feel I have proved I can do it at this level. I didn't have any problems and scored a point, so I hope this is the end of the matter."

Raikkonen's Super-licence is understood to have been issued to the Finn under a four-race probation period. He thinks he did enough Down Under to persuade the powers-that-be that he has got what it takes, despite the fact that Melbourne was only his 24th car race.

"I don't see how there can be any reason for me not to continue," he added. "I just want to get on with the racing."