ROME, Feb 16, 2008 (AFP) - World Formula One champion Kimi Raikkonen, whose monosyllabic and understated demeanour is often at odds with the glamour of his sport, says he´s just a shy boy at heart.

"Me, shy? I´ve always been like this and probably always will be. It works so I see no reason to change," the Finn admits in a television interview due to be screened on Sky Italia on Sunday.

"I´m the same person even if I´m different at work to what I´m like at home, with my family or friends. These are different situations."

Raikkonen will begin the defence of his Formula One title on March 16 in Australia with team-mate Felipe Massa, Britain´s McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton and Renault´s twice former world champion Spaniard Fernando Alonso his most likely threats.