From Auto Motor und Sport
Heikki Kovalainen has been for the past two seasons at Team Lotus, and has failed to score points so far. The Finn is not giving up yet on the team and on himself.
Following a good rookie season in 2007 at Renault, Heikki Kovalainen was promoted to McLaren, where he faced Lewis Hamilton. Since his last season with the British team in 2009, he has been at the back of the field, in an inferior car. But according to him, Kovalainen is driving better than ever.
"I've been training a lot harder since last year, and I'm a lot more consistent in the races," the 30-year-old says. "In my whole career, I've never driven so well, so strong."
He admits his better physical strength is due to rekindled mental balance.
"I had too much pressure on my shoulders [at McLaren]. Expectations were too high, and it tired my me, both mentally and physically. I feel a lot better today."
Now with his driving skills at their best, will Kovalainen be given a better car to show what he can do?
"2012 will be decisive for us [Caterham]. Our 2011 car, was a big step up from the 2010 version, and we want to keep improving the same way. There's no reason why we shouldn't expect to fight for points with Sauber, Williams and Toro Rosso. That's exactly what we want to do."
But no matter how fast Team Lotus/Caterham keep improving their cars, it's highly unlikely Kovalainen will be in a race-winning machine in 2012. And he can't help wonder what it would be like to be, for example, Hamilton's team-mate once again.
"I bet I'm not the only one wondering," he points out.
Heikki Kovalainen has been for the past two seasons at Team Lotus, and has failed to score points so far. The Finn is not giving up yet on the team and on himself.
Following a good rookie season in 2007 at Renault, Heikki Kovalainen was promoted to McLaren, where he faced Lewis Hamilton. Since his last season with the British team in 2009, he has been at the back of the field, in an inferior car. But according to him, Kovalainen is driving better than ever.
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| Who would have known Kovalainen is driving better than ever? (Photo: WRi2) |
"I've been training a lot harder since last year, and I'm a lot more consistent in the races," the 30-year-old says. "In my whole career, I've never driven so well, so strong."
He admits his better physical strength is due to rekindled mental balance.
"I had too much pressure on my shoulders [at McLaren]. Expectations were too high, and it tired my me, both mentally and physically. I feel a lot better today."
Now with his driving skills at their best, will Kovalainen be given a better car to show what he can do?
 |
| How far can Kovalainen and Caterham make it up the grid in 2012? (Photo: Pirelli) |
"2012 will be decisive for us [Caterham]. Our 2011 car, was a big step up from the 2010 version, and we want to keep improving the same way. There's no reason why we shouldn't expect to fight for points with Sauber, Williams and Toro Rosso. That's exactly what we want to do."
But no matter how fast Team Lotus/Caterham keep improving their cars, it's highly unlikely Kovalainen will be in a race-winning machine in 2012. And he can't help wonder what it would be like to be, for example, Hamilton's team-mate once again.
"I bet I'm not the only one wondering," he points out.