Kovalainen: “I will be stronger in 2009”

Heikki Kovalainen declares that he will be a stronger driver in 2009 and that he has learned a lot from his first year as a McLaren driver.

Although he is often less fast than his teammate Lewis Hamilton, the Finn won his first race and secured his first pole position in F1 this year.

“I feel good in this team,” confides Kovalainen. “I had my first pole position, I won a race, and there are a lot of positive points to take away from this year. After the winter, we will have to look back on the 2008 season and improve for the next one.”

Kovalainen states that driving for McLaren has helped him improve in several areas and hopes to start on a strong footing alongside Hamilton.

« I am a better tester than the previous year, I feel more comfortable mentally and physically in the car but also within the team. I am more at ease with driving techniques, I think I have learned to drive the car better. I don’t think I need to focus on any specific point during the off-season training, just continue working as we are by improving each key point. ».

Kovalainen is already focused on 2009 with the main goal of qualifying in better positions on the grid.

« I would like to start races with better positions on the starting grids, as it matters a lot for the rest of the race. Rather than starting 4th, 5th, or 6th, I would like to be on the 1st row… This year, it was my first with a top-level team, for the second year we need to step up a bit. Someone told me there are rumors saying I’m not happy in my team, but I never confirmed these words. I have no reason to be unhappy, I’m in the best car, I have a lot of potential to fight for victory. ».