The first F1 round of the 2007 season kicked off on Thursday 15^th of March. The day started of with the usual press conferences and driver appearances. Then from midday the drivers have their portraits taken by the world’s media. A small area is set up behind the pit complex, and photographers gather at least one hour prior to get the best vantage points. The drivers have a 3 hour time frame to have their portraits taken. Once it gets under way it sounds more like a red carpet event as photographers call out for the driver to look their way.

On the Friday morning dark clouds and rain greeted the F1 drivers as they headed out for the first practice session. The new drivers headed out immediately pit lane opened so as to familiarise themselves to the track, and put in some laps. Towards the end of the session the bigger name drivers headed out, but only for a handful of laps.

On the Saturday qualifying the sun finally broke, as the qualifying format separated the faster drivers from the rest of the field. The biggest surprise of the day was by Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain who had the fastest time for a few minutes, before the Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen took pole position.

The race day start saw Kimi Raikkonen take the lead and he kept it untill the end of the race. He was never threatened and won the race easily. I covered the start of the race at turn 3 before heading over to turns 4 and 5. I then headed back to the start finish line to get the finish picture you see here.

Robert Cianflone / Getty Images.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 15: Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren Mercedes is surrounded by photographers as he poses during the pre-season drivers photocall ahead of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at the Albert Park Circuit on March 15, 2007 in Melbourne, Australia. The Australian Formula One Grand Prix, the first of the new season, takes place on March 18, 2007.

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