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F1: Heikki Kovalainen defends Hamilton before Suzuka meeting

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

Heikki Kovalainen has defended his former McLaren teammate amid reports Lewis Hamilton's rivals are set to round on his aggressive driving style in Japan this weekend.

The Italian specialist Autosprint magazine has reported that Hamilton's competitors have asked for a special meeting with Charlie Whiting at Suzuka to discuss the British driver's many on-track clashes so far in 2011.

And the Sun newspaper in Britain said on Monday that "the meeting is due to discuss Hamilton's tactics this season".

Heikki Kovalainen, Team Lotus. (Photo WRi2)
Heikki Kovalainen, Team Lotus. (Photo WRi2)

Team Lotus driver Kovalainen, who in 2008 and 2009 was Hamilton's teammate at McLaren, was asked by a fan on Twitter if he is going to attend a 'special Hamilton meeting'.

"I'm not (because) I have no problem," answered the Finn.

Staunch critic Felipe Massa aside, the general feeling in the paddock about Hamilton was summed up by Toro Rosso driver Sebastien Buemi.

"I would say he is a little bit too impulsive now and again, but sometimes it works out well," the Swiss is quoted by the Hamburger Morgenpost. "It is important to show a little consideration and find the right balance," added Buemi.


Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada