McLaren launch: Raikkonen all set

The 22-year-old Finn, who has replaced countryman and former world champion Mika Hakkinen for 2002, admitted that he had a lot to learn in his first year with Sauber last season, but is full of confidence with his new team.

"The learning curve has been steep," he said at the unveiling of the new McLaren-Mercedes MP4-17 in Barcelona this morning (Saturday). "I didn't know much about F1 this time last year, but I'm ready for the season. It should be good. I want to get some good results this year and I can't wait to get in a good car."

Raikkonen has been testing last year's McLaren at Barcelona and Valencia over the past two weeks and has proved more than capable of lapping on the ultimate pace. On Thursday this week he set a new lap record at Valencia.

"It has been an intensive few weeks as the team and myself build and cement relationships and understanding, and I am now beginning to feel like an integral part of West McLaren Mercedes," he said. "We have covered a lot of ground in testing already and I have been very impressed with the interim car. I am now extremely keen to drive the MP4-17 and to continue my learning curve in the build up to the 2002 season."

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