Formula One news

Kovalainen not surprised with lack of speed

Heikki Kovalainen is disappointed with his qualifying result. The Finn will start Sunday's British Grand Prix from 13th position but admits he isn't really surprised as he knew his car wouldn't really fit the track.

Starting on the Prime, Heikki set a fastest time of 1m20.756s on his first run. Switching to Options for the second, he recorded a 1m19.732s - a time which graduated him to Q2. In the second session, Heikki pulled together a strong, clean lap, but his best time of 1m19.353s was only enough for 13th position on tomorrow's grid.

Kovalainen said about his qualifying session: "Today's result is obviously disappointing for the team but, given the circumstances, I'm satisfied with my performance: I gave it my all and couldn't have gone any quicker. I didn't make any mistakes and was on the limit all the time. It's a pity that Lewis couldn't improve on his time due to the red flag in the first session as I'm sure he would have joined me in Q2 as well.

"We knew this circuit wouldn't suit our car and that it would be difficult to get into Q3, but the balance was quite okay this afternoon. We're all working extremely hard to address the car's lack of downforce. The guys worked hard overnight to make a lot of changes to the car and we worked really well together to get the most from the car during the morning session. The work doesn't stop here, however, and our immediate aim is to maximise our strategy and finish the race."

more news

• 07 Nov.
  • Alonso enjoys Ferrari factory visit
  • Brawn looking forward to Senna debut
• 06 Nov.
  • Follow GPUpdate.net on Twitter!
  • Wind tunnel operator sues Force India
  • Toyota-assisted Kobayashi eyeing Lotus seat
  • Sutil: Abu Dhabi 'a shame' for Force India
  • Lee McKenzie's End of Season Review 2009
  • Lotus wanting experienced drivers
  • Anthony Hamilton: Räikkönen the best option for McLaren
• 05 Nov.
  • Renault decision to come in December
  • GPUpdate TV: Vettel receives sports car prize
  • Ecclestone: 2 days for Silverstone to sign
  • Etihad and Aldar to pay damages to Force India
  • 'F1 organisers to blame for lost teams' - Ferrari
  • Hülkenberg to test Williams next month
• 04 Nov.
  • FIA warns again: Credit crunch will win
  • Renault holds emergency meeting about F1 future
  • FOTA thanks Toyota's Howett
  • Ekström beats Schumacher for Race of Champions
  • Hülkenberg targeting Barrichello pace
  • Photos: Race of Champions 2009
  • Pirelli not interested in F1
  • Vettel and Schumacher win ROC Nations Cup
  • Toyota highlights reasons for F1 exit
  • Official: Toyota leaves Formula One
  • An interview with Kamui Koabayshi
• 03 Nov.
  • 'Toyota set to end Formula 1 project'
  • Red Bull to announce engine partner 'very shortly'
  • Schumacher: Comeback was for Felipe
  • Trulli on lookout for clear racing rules
  • Räikkönen too expensive, says Brawn
  • Horner aware of 2010 challengers
  • Michael: Hülkenberg following Hamilton-like path
• 02 Nov.
  • Brawn thanks Barrichello for contribution
  • Kubica to drive in French rally
  • 2010: The grid so far
  • Alonso won't drive Ferrari until February
  • Williams confirms Barrichello and Hülkenberg for 2010
  • Optimism at Renault for next year
  • Whitmarsh: 2010 McLaren quicker than 2009 car

Homepage