Raikkonen Won't Hold Back in Formula One Debut

Kimi Raikkonen said on Wednesday that he has no intention of driving cautiously when he lines up on the grid for his race debut with Sauber at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Speaking at Sauber's launch of their 2001 car at their Hinwil base in Switzerland, Raikkonen said he will not hold back when he makes his Formula One race bow at Albert Park, Melbourne on March 4.

"I don't think I'll be more careful just because I'm in Formula One," said Raikkonen, who signed for Sauber in December with just 23 single-seater races experience. "If you start driving carefully it isn't very good.

"The first race will be a bit difficult because it will be nearly two hours long, and I'm only used to half-hour races. But when I get used to it in an F1 car it will be OK."

Raikkonen admitted that he is learning as he goes and is cautious not to make any predictions for the forthcoming season.

He added: "There are many different things in F1, all the media, things like that - the speed of the car and the braking.

"With the driving, the most difficult thing to get used to was under braking, how late you can brake, and the speed in the fast corners. I just need to learn to get experienced.

"I don't care what other people are saying. I feel quite comfortable about it. In fact I feel more comfortable with the new car than I did with the old. But I can't make predictions because it is all so different."