Kimi Raikkonen thinks Mercedes could be `surprise package` at Melbourne GP

London: Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen has said that Formula One team Mercedes, led by ace driver Lewis Hamilton, could spring a surprise at the opening Australian Grand Prix .

Raikkonen said Mercedes, which was the fastest team at the Barcelona test, may give a surprising performance in Melbourne, although he added that it was surprising that they were not strong in the races. However, Raikkonen, who is expected to be one of the pace-setters in this season`s races, said that he could not outrun Mercedes because of food poisoning and technical issues. The Lotus ace, who won the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, said that it does not matter that his team was not fast in the Barcelona tests, as they hoping for more successful performances in the first few races. ANI