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.
-credit: mclaren
