HEIKKI KOVALAINEN JOINS VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES 2008 DRIVER
LINE-UP
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is pleased to confirm that Finn
Heikki Kovalainen will team up with Formula 1 World Championship
runner-up Lewis Hamilton for the 2008 season. Spaniard Pedro
de la Rosa will remain the third driver and an integral part
of the team, whilst Gary Paffett will assist Pedro with the
testing programme when required.
"We had a number of options open to us and as always
we want to make sure that we have the most competitive driver
line-up and I think that Lewis and Heikki will be a formidable
combination," said Martin Whitmarsh. "Both enjoyed
great rookie seasons in 2007 and share a genuine passion for
winning and being the best. Heikki made a strong impression
and Lewis’ performance so far has been outstanding and
speaks for itself. I am confident that they will push each
other on track and work well together off track. In addition
with Pedro remaining our primary test driver alongside Gary,
we really have a strong package and look forward to 2008."
Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport commented
"Heikki is a talented driver who showed his skills during
his debut season in Formula 1 this year. Heikki’s most
impressive performance was at the Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji
where he finished second behind Lewis in extremely treacherous
wet conditions. He is not only a quick driver but also one
of the most consistent having finished in every Grand Prix
except the last which puts him in the top five together with
our drivers who covered most laps in 2007. Everybody in the
team is looking forward to a very fruitful co-operation. Lewis
and Heikki will form one of the youngest driver line-ups,
and I am convinced that both will be very strong and at the
same time co-operative competitors."
26-year-old Heikki, who made his Formula 1 race debut last
year with Renault, joins the team on a long-term contract
and will commence his on-track programme in early January.
"I am so excited to join a team like Vodafone McLaren
Mercedes," said Heikki. "So far I have been blown
away by the dedication and commitment to winning which is
clear through the entire organisation and I am really excited
about our joint future. As a Finn it’s an honour for
me to follow in Mika and Kimi’s footsteps. I haven’t
really spent a lot of time with Lewis so far but from what
I know I think we will work well together and do our best
for the team."
Lewis who enjoyed the most successful rookie season in the
history of the Formula 1 World Championship with consecutive
podiums in his first nine races is looking forward to the
2008 season.
"As soon as the chequered flag went in Brazil I began
to count down the days until Australia," said Lewis.
"I am really looking forward to 2008 and working with
Heikki as my team mate. Together with the team we will do
everything we can to ensure that our Championship challenge
is as strong and focused as possible. My first year in Formula
1 was incredible and I was so fortunate to spend it with Vodafone
McLaren Mercedes and I hope that Heikki will enjoy his first
year with the team as much as I did mine."
The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-23 is scheduled to commence
its on-track testing programme at an exclusive test at the
Jerez circuit in Spain during the second week of January 2008.
There are currently no plans for a launch presentation but
the team will provide the media with photographs and further
details about the car when it runs.
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