Formula One news

Kovalainen eyes championship title in 2008

McLaren driver Heikki Kovalainen believes he can fight Lewis Hamilton for the title in 2008 in his first year with the Woking based team. Kovalainen realises it won't be easy to defeat the talented Briton but being at McLaren he realises the F1 title is his only target.

"Every driver has to enter into a race and a World Championship believing he can win it, so of course I do too," Kovalainen said. "I will do everything I can to help the team move forward.

"Lewis is a quick driver. From what I've seen and have heard, he's a nice guy, but I will do everything I can to beat him and he will do the same with me. If he beats me I will just go home, work, and try to come back stronger the following weekend."

Kovalainen is McLaren's fourth driver from Finland and he is proud to be in that list with Rosberg, Hakkinen and Raikkonen. "McLaren has always been very popular in Finland," says Kovalainen, "because of both Mika and Kimi's involvement. It's a dream-come-true to join the team and I've been made to feel very welcome."

more news

• 09 Jan.
  • New Renault fails FIA crash test
  • Toro Rosso confirm Buemi
  • Technical reshuffle at Red Bull
  • Klien still optimistic of race seat
  • Kubica named Polish sports personality of the year
  • Richards out of Honda running
  • Donington gains planning permission
• 08 Jan.
  • FOTA agrees cost-cutting plans
  • De la Rosa still aiming for race seat in F1
  • A dozen parties interested in Honda
  • Mosley not done yet with cost cuttings
• 07 Jan.
  • Ecclestone reveals September deadline for Donington
  • Ferrari willing to supply 'Honda' with engines
  • Brawn says Honda won't test before season
• 06 Jan.
  • Ferrari to use electronic pitstop system in 2009
  • Kubica to start karting team
  • Webber's recovery going well
  • Ferrari to reveal new car next week
  • Stewart hits out at Ecclestone and Mosley
• 05 Jan.
  • Red Bull's RB5 to debut in February
  • Suspended sentence and fine for Verstappen
  • Berger confirms Buemi for STR
• 04 Jan.
  • Kubica expecting more accidents
• 03 Jan.
  • Encouraging news for Donington
• 02 Jan.
  • Di Resta still hopeful of F1 drive
  • "Title loss would have damaged Hamilton's reputation"
• 01 Jan.
  • Hakkinen supports medals system
• 31 Dec. '08
  • Kubica: Next year is a big challenge
  • Hakkinen: Vettel will soon be a Formula 1 champion
  • Hamilton receives MBE award
  • Heidfeld expects more accidents in 2009
• 30 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to join Madame Tussauds
  • Ecclestone: Button should take a sabbatical
  • Manager: Alonso would love to join Ferrari one day
  • Changes at Toro Rosso
• 29 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to miss victory parade in Woking
  • Alonso to join Ferrari in 2011?
  • Mexican billionaire denies Honda bid
• 28 Dec. '08
  • Mexican buyer for Honda?
• 27 Dec. '08
  • F1 drivers positive on Algarve circuit

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