MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Former world champion Kimi Raikkonen, returning to Formula One after two years away, failed to get through the first phase of qualifying for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Saturday.

The Finn, who won from pole position for Ferrari at Albert Park in 2007, lost control of his Lotus on a corner on his final flying lap and the detour onto the trackside grass cost him a place in the last 17 to contest the second round of qualifying.

Despite the promising pace shown by the Lotus in pre-season testing, Raikkonen will line up in 18th place on the ninth row of the grid for Sunday's race, barring any penalties for other drivers.

(Editing by Alastair Himmer)