Raikkonen makes his point - to Mosley and co.

Sauber driver and F1 rookie Kimi Raikkonen has said that his performance at the Australian Grand Prix should hopefully silence a few of his critics who said he was to inexperienced to race in F1.

He told the British newspaper The Sunday Mirror: "The fact that Max Mosley didn't think I was ready for Formula 1 made it (coming sixth and scoring a World Championship point) all the more satisfying."

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

Raikkonen is on a four-race probation period to prove that he is ready for F1 and a super-licence. Before the Australian Grand Prix the Finn had just 23 single seater races to his name.

He added: "My fitness was good and I had no difficulty with the pace at all. Now I'm looking forward to the rest of the season."

His manager Steve Robertson concluded: "Everybody agreed it was an outstanding debut but it didn't surprise me at all. I suspect he may find it a little harder physically in the humidity of Malaysia next week but I've no doubt he'll cope and that he belongs in Formula One."

Team boss Peter Sauber and World Champions Michael Schumacher and Alain Prost have already praised the young Finn. It seems he is destined for great things.