Formula One news

Kovalainen confident of matching Hamilton

Heikki Kovalainen believes he can match Lewis Hamilton next season as he revealed that he was not happy with his maiden season at McLaren. 

Kovalainen did take his first F1 victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, and has endured the lion share of reliability issues at McLaren, but he admits he is not happy at how his season ended up.

"I'm clearly not happy with the results especially," Kovalainen said. "I didn't make any big mistakes this season, but it was quite difficult. I didn't finish all the races, some because of me and some because of technical issues which prevented us from picking up some better results. But I think now I'm in a better place for next year."

"I'm looking forward to starting work for next season and hopefully I can finish more races without problems and get some better results."

Kovalainen went on to say that he believes he can compete with Hamilton. "If you look at some of the qualifying sessions this year and measure the speed it's quite positive. I just need to keep working on the details and I can do much better next season. Lewis and I have the same chances."

more news

• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas

Homepage