fuenfer

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64384

Kovalainen confirmed by McLaren!

A.Wayne

Hi, to all my fans , Petu , olli, and the few others .
I'm now with Team Hamilton ,Mclaren, my duties will be to carry lewis's gear and jocks to the circuit and be a good no 2 as best as i can, there will be some light cleaning at nights , but not much ...I'm Happy, cheers

PS: The shirt was David's who passed it to Montoya, who passed it to Fernanado, it's a little too big, but i get my own in January, i think .

Flying Finn

There we go Wayne, what did I told you yesterday when you still had your hopes up that Kovalainen would be out?

I'm glad Fernando is at Renault as a clear #1 and Heikki is at McLaren because the end result is less whining. Or who knows, if Alonso gets schooled again by the rookie, there will be much more whining and crying. I so much hope Piquet will stay at his place and don't cause any problems for Alonso.

multi21

fuenfer

I have to say, Wayne, I disagree with your views on Alonso (I can't stand him) but some of your posts are hilarious!

stuttgart46

Is there a bridge that connects Finland to the McLaren factory?
I think this is well deserved. He should be a great addition. I wonder why McLaren didn't offer Renault a trade. Are the drivers contracts written so that they can be traded?

A.Wayne

Q & A with Heikki Kovalainen

Friday, December 14th 2007, 15:19 GMT


Q. How does it feel to be a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver?

Heikki Kovalainen: It feels fantastic thank you. The team has always been popular in Finland because of both Mika and Kimi's involvement, so when I was growing up there was a massive awareness of McLaren Mercedes especially when Mika won the World Championship twice. I am so happy to be part of this team. There is a lot of work ahead of us, but I can't wait.

Q. When did you start talking to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes about a race drive?

HK: Once I had been informed by Renault about their driver plans my management and I began to explore a number of options in Formula One. Vodafone McLaren Mercedes was obviously an incredibly attractive opportunity and we began talking and here we are.....I am pleased it all worked out.

Q. You will be team mates with Lewis Hamilton - how well do you know Lewis?

HK: I don't know Lewis that well but we have spoken on a number of occasions during 2007. From what I have seen and heard he is a nice guy.

Q. Lewis has been with the team for many years and consequently has a strong relationship with the team and management - are you worried that this will affect you settling into the team?

HK: Not at all. It's up to me to build relationships with the team and the people around me, and I know everybody is excited about me joining, so I don't think that will be a problem at all. The one thing that has struck me so far is just how professional and dedicated the team is, and I know they will work so hard to give me the best opportunity. Also after the 2007 season I don't think there can be any doubt that the team is totally committed to equality amongst its drivers and I like that.

Q. When did you visit the McLaren Technology Centre for the first time and what is your initial impression?

HK: The first time I came to the McLaren Technology Centre I was just blown away. I have seen photographs and films from there but it doesn't prepare you for the wow effect when you actually arrive. You have that initial impact as you start to look around and then you begin to feel the atmosphere. I visited the McLaren Technology Centre for the first time only a few days ago.

Q. Vodafone McLaren Mercedes had a tough year off track in 2007 - does that kind of thing worry you as a driver and did that affect your decision in any way?

HK: I am employed to drive the car and am not a political animal at all. There was obviously a lot going on in 2007 but it's not for me to talk about. I just look forward to a competitive and fun future with the team.

Q. Obviously you former Renault team mate Fernando Alonso's and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes partnership didn't work out - does that worry you?

HK: Not in the slightest. It's not for me to judge what went wrong with Fernando and the team and I am really not interested. All I can say is how I feel about my opportunity and I am really excited and happy.

Q. Do you think you can win the World Championship in 2008?

HK: Any driver has to enter into a race and a World Championship believing he can win it so of course I do. However there is a long way to go and at the moment I am just looking forward to familiarising myself with the new car and the team

Larry Herman

I'll go out on a limb here and predict that Heikki will do well with McClaren. They seem to like the quiet types who don't bitch and just drive.

multi21

Oh Snap!!??!! Now you did it. Your your on the "Needs to get whacked list", by you know who...

Veloce Raptor

Agreed.

A.Wayne

So you are predicting that lewis will leave the team

Larry Herman

Nah, I'm the adult here. I even have proof from A.Wayne in another thread:

Didn't think that I saw that did you!

multi21

Dear A. Wayne,

You know I love you like a son. Please look at the above comment by fellow Rennlister, Larry Herman. This is blasphomous. This comment on a public forum, coupled with his ability to significantly lower the average lap times for his team, HWFMR, deems him of no value to us any more. You know what to do, just don't PM or e-mail me when the job is done. Just DO IT!!!!

Sincerely,

Fernando

Flying Finn

Completely agree and not out on a limb at all, in fact I'd guarantee that.

Larry Herman

Oh sure, that's easy for you to say. They're not out to get you. I'm outta here.