Formula One news

Dennis denies Kovalainen is support act

McLaren team boss Ron Dennis has denied that Heikki Kovalainen is destined only to play a support role in the team and help Lewis Hamilton to the drivers' championship.

Dennis' words come in light of comments made by Jackie Stewart who suggested that Kovalainen should fall into a support role to help Hamilton fight Ferrari for the crown.

"I have enormous respect for Jackie who was one of Grand Prix racing's truly great champions," Dennis was quoted as saying by Autosport. "Equally we're always willing to accept constructive criticism and the affection felt for Lewis in Britain means lots of people are anxious to give well-intentioned advice."

"But the fact is that he retired from motor racing in 1973 which is 35 years ago and the sport has moved on in that time," he added. "His suggestion that Lewis' championship campaign depends on Heikki's assistance assume that Heikki's role is to drive in support of Lewis, and that simply isn't the case."

"Lewis doesn't need any extra help," Dennis went on. "He and Heikki are good friends, but they're both highly competitive individuals and they take their own decisions. We have a long history of giving our drivers equal treatment and opportunity, and that isn't about to change."

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