NEW TATTOO: Kimi Raikkonen, his huge tattoo in plain sight, strolling through the melbourne paddock ahead of this weekend's Australian GP. -- PHOTO: AP

In big, black lettering, it read 'Iceman' - the nickname bestowed on the Finn for his unearthly calm under pressure.

This is the man who, with 30 minutes remaining before the start of his F1 debut here in 2001, was found dozing in a backroom as tensions rose everywhere else in the garage.

His ambivalence to the glitz and glamour, the back stabbing and politicking in Formula One is legendary.

Right after he had won the title last season at the Brazilian Grand Prix, and done the obligatory media interviews, he was seen walking briskly to the car park and his Fiat Stilo, a small, family car.

But to say he is as hard to fathom as his blue-grey eyes is wrong.

For Raikkonen is the most uncomplicated driver on the grid, reported The Guardian. When he gets in the car, he drives the hell out of it. When he gets out, he barely thinks about what has happened.

'I just go out and try to go as fast as I can,' he said of his approach to life that has made him the world champion after seven seasons in Formula One.

Despite living in the shadow of Michael Schumacher, Raikkonen has slowly won over the toughest jury out there - the Italian fans.

It is not just his title win, but the way he has remained silent when last season's car was found wanting, or when during qualifying in Brazil, he was blocked by his biggest rival, Lewis Hamilton.

When asked about the Briton's tactics, the Finn said: 'Well, er, I, um, he could have made it easier, but it is difficult like I say...'

Which is Kimi-speak for: 'It's no big deal. This is F1. He is going to take it to the limit. So am I. I can win despite him. Watch me.'

A driver who wins and does not cause trouble is a better bet than one who looks the part but gives no guarantee of success.

Ferrari know that, which is why, unlike the Finn's former team McLaren, they have closed their eyes to his distaste for media and sponsors' events and his off-track activities - which sometimes involve a passion for alcohol.

'Every time I have been out to dinner with him, he has been as good as gold,' said F1 rights holder Bernie Ecclestone. 'And he's even better when he's pissed.

'It's just that when he wants to do something, he doesn't muck about. He just does it.'

Kimi Raikkonen (Finland, 27)

Status: Married to Miss Scandinavia Jenni Dahlman Height: 1.75m Weight: 62kg GP starts: 120

Wins: 15 Podiums: 48 2007: First