BERLIN, March 16, 2008 (AFP) - German Formula One stars Nick Heidfeld and Nico Rosberg enjoyed a second-third finish to get their respective teams off to a flying start at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Britain's Lewis Hamilton enjoyed an emphatic opening-season victory for McClaren in Melbourne, controlling the race from the outset and had over five seconds to spare at the chequered flag.

Hamilton cruised to the finish line ahead of BMW-Sauber's Heidfeld and fellow German Rosberg, in a Williams, who had his first podium finish.

Heidfeld enjoyed the eighth-podium finish of his career to take second and was pleased with his performance.

"After Saturday's qualifying went well, I was confident of a podium finish," the 31-year-old told German agency SID.

"Before the race, I thought my main competition would come from the two McLaren-Mercedes and my team colleague.

"Then Nico slipped through and made life hard for the rest of us."

But there was controversy after the race with Rosberg unhappy with a Heidfeld manoeuvre during a pit stop.

Third-placed Rosberg, 22, accused Heidfeld of forcing his car against the race wall during a pit stop, but Heidfeld defended himself.

"I can describe it only from my situation in the car," said Heidfeld.

"I couldn't give Nico any more room."

But Rosberg was not happy with Heidfeld's manoeuvre in the midrace pitstop.

"What Nick did wasn't right, because he pressed me against the wall.

"I had to go for the fuel, but it was a difficult situation because I was acting on the team's instructions."

In only this third Formula One season, Rosberg was delighted with his first podium finish.

"It was unbelievable to be here on the podium - a fantastic feeling," he said.

"It is only a few years since I was on the podium on the GP2 series."

"The team has been under enormous progress, so to get some success is fantastic.

"There is not much time to dwell on it, in five days we will continue at the Malaysian Grand Prix."