McLaren's Whitmarsh Predicts More Raikkonen Wins

McLaren managing director Martin Whitmarsh has predicted that Kimi Raikkonen will enjoy more wins this season after the Finn coolly drove to victory in Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix.

Whitmarsh said Finn Raikkonen, still only 23 but with two years of Formula One behind him, put on a "great" drive and said he believes the youngster has what it takes to reach the very top.

"We are really thrilled for Kimi," said Whitmarsh. "He is such a young driver and such a great talent, it is fantastic to have him in the team. He's going to win more races this year and he's going to be World Champion."

McLaren bosses admitted after the Australian Grand Prix two weeks ago that they were concerned Raikkonen might follow in the footsteps of countryman Mika Hakkinen by taking a long time to win his first Grand Prix.

In his first season for McLaren, last year, he missed out on winning the French Grand Prix and also looked on to score his maiden victory in Melbourne before he was hit with a speeding penalty.

But his victory in Malaysia came in only his 35th Grand Prix and makes him the fourth youngest winner in history. He is 83 days younger than reigning World Champion Michael Schumacher was when he scored his maiden win.

"He has had a few tough calls, in Magny Cours and Australia, and after Australia - we were culpable there - for Kimi to do such a great drive today...it is just fantastic," added Whitmarsh. "He drove a great race."