Raikkonen pleased with practice work

Raikkonen is aiming to bounce back from a disappointing start of the season in Melbourne, having retired from the previous race in Malaysia.

The McLaren driver's weekend started without problems as he went on to post the seventh fastest time of the session.

"A good start to the weekend where we went through everything we wanted to including our tyre evaluation with Michelin," said Raikkonen. "It was a bit cooler than we expected but no problems, and I guess the temperature will stay pretty much the same for the rest of the weekend.

"I had a small off at one point which is what happens sometimes when you try different things, and I'm expecting the track surface to improve further as more cars run."

Juan Pablo Montoya was also happy with his day's work, the Colombian posting the ninth quickest time.

"We completed our planned programme with no problems, and I'm pleased with the data we have achieved from our Michelin tyre evaluation," said the Colombian. "However, we still have to see how everything develops during this weekend once the track gets more grip."