Formula One news

Kovalainen happy and equal at McLaren

Heikki Kovalainen says he is 'very happy' at McLaren, despite being a full second off team mate Lewis Hamilton's pace on the first day of practice this season, at Albert Park. He also insists he is on an equal footing in the team with Hamilton.

"I am very happy in my new team," Kovalainen said. "It has been a very interesting time in my career all winter working with one of the best teams in Formula One and things have gone pretty well. I am getting used to the team and how they work. Communications is good and the car feels strong and good and driving is getting better. Today both sessions were pretty smooth, no big drama this time. I stayed on the track which is not too bad."

"I feel equal number one, number two, however you want to put it," he added. "The fact is Lewis had a much better year than myself last year. He gets a lot more attention and he has been with the team a long time. It is pretty understandable that people follow him but the fact is that also my car is exactly the same spec as Lewis's car. The engine is the same and I have exactly the same opportunity and that is what counts for me. We are absolutely equal and it is my job to do the business well enough to be able to beat him. That would be my goal but I still have many things to learn. There are a lot of things I need to do before I can talk about it too much, so it is better not to talk about it and let the business do the talking hopefully."

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• 11 Oct.
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  • Williams struggles in qualifying
  • Another double top ten for Toro Rosso
  • McLaren delighted with qualifying
  • Back row again for Force India
  • BMW hopes rest with Kubica
  • Alonso keeps Renault competitive
  • Honda continues to struggle at Fuji
  • Photos: Saturday at Fuji
  • Mixed result at Red Bull Racing
  • Toyota team make it into top ten
  • Massa laments lack of grip
  • Hamilton happy on pole
  • Hamilton takes Japanese pole
  • Kubica on top in wet free practice
• 10 Oct.
  • Bridgestone expects grip to improve during the weekend
  • Buemi to steer medical car
  • Trouble-free day for McLaren
  • Positive day for Toro Rosso
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope
  • Mixed Friday for BMW
  • Force India upbeat after practice
  • Honda looking for more pace
  • Ferrari happy with Friday progress
  • Government will try and safe Canadian Grand Prix
  • Strong start for Toyota at home track
  • Renault shows encouraging pace at Fuji
  • Nakajima enjoys first day at Fuji Speedway
  • Glock fastest on Friday
  • Photos: Friday at Fuji
  • Hamilton leads first practice in Japan
  • Nakajima pleased with his first F1 season so far
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• 09 Oct.
  • Massa focused ahead of vital race weekend
  • Raikkonen hoping for better
  • Button still waiting for Honda's driver decision
  • Canadian GP dropped due to a 'commercial disagreement'
  • New engine for Glock
  • F1 drivers: It's a shame to see Canada go
  • Ecclestone outlines dramatic F1 engine plans

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