Champion Kimi warns Lewis he has the thirst to be first again

Normally, that means vodka or any other bottle lurking in close proximity.

But Ferrari's world champion warned Lewis Hamilton that his cravings are more extensive, claiming his world championship triumph has not slaked his desire for more Formula One glory.

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Raikkonen said: "Anyone who thinks I'm now happy and satisfied is mistaken. It has never been fun to drive for a fifth or sixth place. I'm here to win.

"I just hope we have a slightly stronger start to the year than before and then we will go from there. We want to improve everywhere.

"We know where we have problems at certain races and certain circuits. But I improve my driving every time I go in the car."

The 28-year-old Finn, who starts the season here on Sunday as favourite for a repeat title, is difficult to read.

He smiles reluctantly and never for the cameras. However, he is more relaxed after winning the championship in the final race of last season by a single point from Hamilton.

He added: "Sure I have achieved what I wanted in my life, so it's a nice thing, but I wouldn't say it has changed me as a person."

His £25million-a-year Ferrari contract ensures him financial security for life and he already contemplates retirement.

"I definitely don't want to become the oldest driver in F1," he said.

"I'll do this while it's a good experience that I enjoy. The day I stop enjoying it, I quit.

"When I was a kid I would watch grands prix. Everyone dreamed of becoming a racing driver, while I only started thinking about it when I was 18 or 19.

"Only at that age did I seriously start to think about this job.

"Before then I would change ideas from one second to the next, dreaming of becoming this or that guy, in other sports, too.

"Now Formula One is my job and it's also what I love doing. Now I'm enjoying it more than ever because I won."

Britain's Anthony Davidson has finally been confirmed as a Super Aguri driver after the Magma Group agreed to take over the struggling team.

The future of the Australian Grand Prix is less certain.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone wants the race run at night under lights to accommodate TV viewers in Europe.

But organisers are reluctant to meet his demands - instead offering a 5pm start next year (6am GMT).

Williams co-owner Patrick Head wants to reverse the start grid to improve the spectacle of the sport.

He says putting the fastest drivers at the back, based on their position in the championship, would mean more overtaking.

"Over a whole season the right guy would still win the title," he said.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has finally quashed speculation about his future in the wake of the 'Spygate' scandal.

The 60-year-old chairman and chief executive of the McLaren Group and team principal of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One team told staff he will remain in all three positions.