Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Global
Breaking news

Kovalainen plays down Gascoyne's criticism

Heikki Kovalainen clears the air on Mike Gascoyne's statements.

Heikki Kovalainen, Caterham F1 Team

Heikki Kovalainen, Caterham F1 Team

XPB Images

Jan.16 (GMM) Heikki Kovalainen has rejected Caterham technical boss Mike Gascoyne's criticism.

Gascoyne, former F1 stalwart and now the technical boss of the entire Caterham Group, said this week that Finn Kovalainen harmed his chances of staying in F1 due to his poor management team and a lack of respect as he tried to move up the grid in 2013.

Kovalainen, 31, played down the comments.

"I have always had a good relationship with him (Gascoyne)," he said, "and my relationship with him will continue even now.

"Mike is a seasoned professional and he and I have worked together for a long time," Kovalainen told the Finnish broadcaster MTV3.

Heikki Kovalainen, Caterham
Heikki Kovalainen, Caterham

Photo by: XPB Images

"The fact is that my negotiations are not with him. I talk to Tony Fernandes and Cyril Abiteboul.

"At the moment, the negotiations are continuing and I am not thinking about anything other than Formula One. First, let's finish playing the game until the end.

"Then, when we know the outcome, think about what to do next," added Kovalainen, who moved to Caterham (then Lotus) in 2010 after being dropped by McLaren.

Gascoyne this week confirmed Caterham is considering replacing Kovalainen with a sponsored driver.

Be part of Motorsport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Wrooom 2013 – Relaxing in the snow - video
Next article Perez hits back at di Resta's pay-driver jibe

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Global