Formula One news

Kovalainen ready for debut season

In 2007 RenaultF1 driver Heikki Kovalainen will make his Formula 1 debut. At the Australian Grand Prix the Finn will have to show what he can do with the Renault R27. After a year as the team's official test and reserve driver he is ready to show what he is capable for doing.

Kovalainen has completed over 30,000 km in testing during recent seasons, and has proved his racing credentials as a member of the Renault Driver Development programme since 2002. The team has now offered him the rare opportunity to make his Formula 1 debut in a championship-winning team.

"I am very excited about the new season," commented the Finn. "But I know that so far, I have achieved nothing at all. I pushed myself very hard last year in testing, to show the team that I was capable of doing the job. They had faith in me, and now it is my turn to deliver on that promise. It is a big privilege for a rookie driver to start his career in a race-winning car, and I am focused on doing it justice."

"This will be a season where I have a lot to learn, and I need to keep mistakes to a minimum. There will be pressure, but that will come from me, because I always drive myself to improve in every area. Overall, I am expecting 2007 to be a fantastic year for me. I am in the best possible place to start my career, and my focus is on preparing as thoroughly as possible for the first race - and the sixteen to come after that."

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