This was Raikkonen’s first win of the season, having led the race almost from the very start. This marks his eighteenth win in Formula One racing. Force One’s Giancarlo Fisichella took second place, with Red Bull’s Sebastien Vettel taking third.

Out of the top four drivers in Saturday’s qualification round, only Fisichella achieved pole position again. 

An early collision between Romain Grosjean (Renault), Jaume Alguersuari (Toro Rosso), Jenson Button (Brawn GP) and Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes) eliminated some of the main contenders, and caused the safety car to be sent out so that Fisichella lost himself an early lead.

Raikkonen, world champion in 2007, whose place in the Ferrari team is under threat amidst unconfirmed reports that Fernando Alonso of Renault has signed to replace him next year, was delighted at ending Ferrari's run of 11 races without a win.

"It hasn't been an easy year for us. We made a big step in Barcelona, but it wasn't enough. It's quite a long time since I last won," said the Ferrari driver.

Le Soir/AFP/Expatica