Heikki Kovalainen impresses McLaren

McLaren-Mercedes team principal, Ron Dennis, was very impressed with their new 2008 recruit, Heikki Kovalainen.

After letting Fernando Alonso return to Renault and picking up the Finn from the diamond brand, Ron Dennis was surprised by Kovalainen’s quick adaptation to this new team. According to him, he also showed very encouraging results… enough to scare Hamilton.

« Heikki [Kovalainen] had a difficult season last year and we were hoping that he could put it behind him to start this new year smoothly, and he has managed to turn the page fantastically. », commented the Englishman on the Australian beach of Saint Hilda.

He has confidence and above all a strong mindset. He has the physical conditions suitable to face his first real challenge.

Last year, Kovalainen was sharply criticized by Flavio Briatore and the press for his mediocre result in Australia during his first F1 Grand Prix. Because of this, Dennis does not want to react and does not wish to put pressure on him.

« He has great abilities, we have seen his potential in racing and we want to give him the right equipment so that everything doesn’t rest on his shoulders. But I honestly think he will give Lewis [Hamilton] a run for his money… »

Hamilton has indeed shown consideration: « I’m sure he hasn’t revealed all his cards yet. He is very competitive and has a lot of talent. »

I think he will push me really hard this season to overtake me and he is ready for it. He has been very active this winter, he might even be the most prepared of the 22 drivers on the 2008 grid…

Dennis also mentioned maintaining good relationships with his drivers. Just as his drivers maintained very good relationships among themselves: « During the winter, close bonds were formed between Hamilton and Kovalainen, and with De la Rosa and Paffett, they represent a real group! »