Racing prodigy Lewis Hamilton claimed third place in the Australian Grand Prix yesterday - in his first race.

It's the first debut podium finish in a first race since Jacques Villeneuve in 1996.

Hamilton, 22, from Stevenage in Hertfordshire said: "I was ecstatic. I still am. To lead in my first Grand Prix was fantastic. It's tough when you have a two-time world champion behind you. I couldn't be happier - the hard work has just paid off."

The race, won by Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen, saw Hamilton lead his team-mate and current world champion Fernando Alonso for 44 laps, and even lead the race for four.

Hamilton's father Anthony, who watched the race on a television in the hospitality area in Melbourne, told The Sun: "It's incredible. I've dreamt of this day for so long. How can you finish third in your first Grand Prix on a circuit you've never been to before? It feels like a win."

Former world champion Nikki Lauda said: "He is the best rookie I have ever seen."

Trackside will return next week.

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