Kovalainen will participate in testing in Barcelona with Renault

Heikki Kovalainen will be back behind the wheel of a Renault next week for the Barcelona tests. His future in the team remains uncertain with rumors linking him to McLaren for the 2008 season.

The Finn has not yet received confirmation of his presence with the Renault team in 2008. It has been suggested that he could be lined up alongside Lewis Hamilton next year if Fernando Alonso returned to the French car manufacturer.

Despite the uncertainty about Kovalainen’s future, Renault does not want to compromise its efforts to return to the forefront in 2008. It has therefore announced who will be participating next week during the first private winter tests at the Catalunya circuit. Heikki Kovalainen will be present, as will Nelson Piquet Jr., who will also be there as a reserve driver.

Kovalainen will have to stay at Renault if Alonso decides not to return to the team, and he stated to autosport.com that whatever happens for 2008, he will be in the race for the World Drivers’ Championship title.

« All I know is that my position is very good now. I think I have several options, and many teams are interested in me, and that’s the most important thing. I just have to make sure to make the right choice for next year or the coming years,” he said.

« Wherever I commit, I intend to stay there for the next two or three years and try to win championships and win races. »

« For me, the most important thing is to have an equal status to that of my teammate and to be in a car that is as competitive as possible. I am very confident because I will be racing next year, I need to make the right choice right now, » concluded Kovalainen.