The T127 was launched in London, with drivers Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen lifting the covers with the help of test driver Fairuz Fauzy. The entry into Formula One wasn’t quite so easy though, as the squad were only awarded a grid slot after BMW announced their withdrawal partway through 2009. This has meant that the car has been hurriedly designed and built, and although the squad boasts some experienced talent behind the scenes, the timing could have been a lot better for the new team.

Tony Fernandes is the name that will be most associated with the Lotus F1 project, a Malaysian entrepreneur who has founded many companies, most notable to Formula One was recent Williams sponsor AirAsia. Interestingly though, while Fernandes has been key to getting everything at Lotus up and running, he intends to step down from his team principal role as soon as he can, suggesting this may happen during the 2010 campaign. Mike Gascoyne, a well-known and successful technical director, has been drafted in and with the Briton comes a wealth of knowledge and experience of running a Formula One squad.

Of all the new teams, Lotus boast the most experienced line-up as well, having confirmed Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen soon after the 2009 season closed. Trulli will bring with him the knowledge of developing a chassis, something he did reasonably well recently with the Toyota. His race craft though can be a little inconsistent. Kovalainen is still a bit of a mystery to most; a driver who can turn the wick up when needed, but all too often gets left behind by his team mate. Perhaps it is unfair to say that though, the Finn’s most recent partner being Lewis Hamilton. It is fair to say that Kovalainen’s time at McLaren is not generally regarded as a highlight in the driver’s career, despite a victory in 2008.

The car itself sport’s a modern twist on the classic Lotus livery, utilising the green and yellow of the company’s logo. The colour scheme works well though and it is great to see dark green return to the sport – the Jaguars always looked good with their livery. Like the Jags though, a good livery does not make a good car. The front section of the T127 is fairly straight-forward, with a high nose and one of the more interesting front wings. The wing on the T127 appears to be one of the more complex designs seen thus far in the pre-season launches. The remainder of the machine appears similar to most, the sidepods are perhaps not as shapely as the RB6, and the engine cover currently does not feature a shark-fin.

With the name comes a lot of expectation for Lotus. Although the team may have strong Malaysian roots, Lotus was and will always be synonymous with Britain, and despite the sad demise of the former team, one will always remember the glory days of the ’60s and ’70s. The great successes won’t happen overnight, but if the squad can stay around for long enough, they may just be able to recapture the magic of the lost era of Formula One.

Lotus’s car designation system refers to the word Type, and an incremental numbering system that for 2010, has reached 127. Hence, T127. It should be noted though that I am assuming this. The most recent Lotus to have been built was, I believe, the 109, which raced in 1994. However, incrementing up the number to 2010 brings us to 125.

Note the blue wheelnuts on the right side.

Note the red wheelnuts on the left side.

Original article by BlogF1.

Meet The Cars: Lotus T127

In a press release issued following the hearing at the FIA headquarters in Paris, the governing body stated the following with regards to the former RenaultF1 boss…

As regards Mr. Briatore, the World Motor Sport Council declares that, for an unlimited period, the FIA does not intend to sanction any International Event, Championship, Cup, Trophy, Challenge or Series involving Mr. Briatore in any capacity whatsoever, or grant any license to any Team or other entity engaging Mr. Briatore in any capacity whatsoever. It also hereby instructs all officials present at FIA-sanctioned events not to permit Mr. Briatore access to any areas under the FIA’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, it does not intend to renew any Superlicence granted to any driver who is associated (through a management contract or otherwise) with Mr. Briatore, or any entity or individual associated with Mr. Briatore. In determining that such instructions should be applicable for an unlimited period, the World Motor Sport Council has had regard not only to the severity of the breach in which Mr. Briatore was complicit but also to his actions in continuing to deny his participation in the breach despite all the evidence. FIA Press Release.

The key line there is that the FIA do not intend to allow anyone associated with Flavio Briatore to have their super license renewed. As far as I can tell, Mark Webber and Heikki Kovalainen are still managed by the flamboyant Italian. If Webber and Kovalainen are still on Briatore’s books, they better find alternative management pretty soon if they wish to continue racing in FIA-governed events.

A similar punishment has been dealt to Pat Symonds, the former head of engineering at Renault who resigned along with Briatore last week. The only difference between the sentences are that Symond’s is for a period of five years, while Briatore’s remains unlimited.

Original article by BlogF1.

No More Super Licenses For Briatore-Managed Drivers

The accident happened after Massa was struck in the face of his helmet by a spring that had come from the leading Brawn BGP 001 of Rubens Barrichello. For some unknown reason at the moment, the part came off and flew through the air, straight into the path of the following Massa. The part only weighs about 800 grams, but having it strike you at great speed must be a bit like being shot at, one can imagine.

Massa was obviously shocked, and from the on-screen graphic, it appears Felipe applied the brakes while maintaining the open throttle. His trajectory did not change after the spring had impacted him, and Massa went straight over the following corner, back across the track and over a tarmaced run-off area before thumping the tyre barrier and Turn 4. Massa did not immediately get out of the car, although he was moving his head. The medics were on the scene very quickly, and Massa was taken care of very well.

When the car returned to the pitlane, it had suffered obvious damage from the tyre wall. The front wheels had been pushed back towards the sidepods and had removed themselves from the chassis. The front wing was placed in the cockpit for transportation ease, but amazingly, the nose maintained its shape and the front of the monocoque looked relatively undamaged.

In 2008, Heikki Kovalainen suffered a high-speed tyre barrier impact in Barcelona during the Spanish Grand Prix. Although the Finn was uninjured, he did suffer concussion and was carted off to hospital for checks. However, despite the high speeds involved and the fact that Heikki’s McLaren had dug down in the barrier which made the impact worse, he did essentially walk away, albeit on a stretcher.

However, rolling back a few years to the 1999 British Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher impacted a tyre barrier at the Stowe corner at speed, an accident that resulted in the German world champion braking a leg. The brake cost Schumacher most of the season and therefore the chance to continue fighting for championship. In ten years though, safety has improved sufficiently that drivers can experience similar incidents, but be able to live to tell the tale. Of course, complacency should never be allowed to creep in, but Massa has to be thankful that the constant improvement made at the circuits and to the cars helped him today.

The only other unexplained issue surrounding Massa’s accident, aside from the throttle/brake thing which could be put down to Felipe simply being absolutely stunned, is the way the Brazilian moved upon impact. Even with a HANS device wrapped around his neck, Massa moved forward substantially as the car thumped the tyres. This suggests the belts stretched more than they should have done.

The last time I am aware of a driver suffering from stretched belts was back in 1995 when Mika Hakkinen had an almighty accident at Adelaide. Mika’s head was thrown forward into the steering wheel, which resulted in the Finnish driver being taken to hospital in a coma. Thankfully, Mika came around and went on to take the 1998 and 1999 world titles, so it probably didn’t do him any long term damage (aside from being slightly deaf in one his ears), but since this accident, changes have been made to the steering wheels of Formula One cars. It isn’t known yet, but unlikely that Felipe’s head actually came into contact with the steering wheel, but the little Brazilian still moved a fair amount in the cockpit upon impact.

Ferrari have said they will keep everybody updated with how Felipe is doing later this evening and tomorrow morning. His surgery has gone well, and now the recovery begins. Thankfully for Massa, Formula One is about to go on a four week break, so Felipe should have plenty of time to rest and ready himself for Valencia at the end of August.

Further Reading

• Previous post on Massa, as the accident happened during qualifying: Hungary 2009: Felipe Massa Crashes Out Of Qualifying.
• Live post (at the time) of Heikki Kovalainen impacting the tyre barrier during the 2008 Spanish Grand Prix: Heikki Kovalainen Suffers High-Speed Incident.
• Heikki Kovalainen recovers well from accident and praises the safety measures of the cars and circuits: Kovalainen Pays Tribute To Strong Car & Attentive Staff.

Original article by BlogF1.

Hungary 2009: Massa Rests His Weary Head After Successful Surgery

Original article by BlogF1.

Lewis & Heikki Race London Taxis

Also, comments may not be moderated for the next three days. I apologise in advance, but I’m out of the country. I’m gonna guess and say that I will have Internet access where I am, but I do not intend to spend the rest of the week glued to a monitor (and my phone is being turned off). If your comment goes to moderation, I do apologise, and I will sort it out once I return.

Oh, McLaren’s Twitter account is here, and mine is here. BlogF1 does have a dedicated account as well, but it only really gets updated when a new post is published.

Original article by BlogF1.

Caption Contest: #94

It’s one of the sport’s ultimate what ifs, and it is very hard to judge a driver who hasn’t actually proven themselves one way or the other, but to speculate is interesting, and that is exactly what this post is about. Of the drivers competing in 2009, do any deserve a better car, a greater chance of proving themselves…

Nico Rosberg

Being the son of a former world champion will always bring with it a great expectation. Keke was a fine driver who showed consistency like few others. Nico though has had a harder time of it. Like his father, Nico was given his break by Williams, but unfortunately the timing was quite different. In 1982, Keke joined the team on the back of their two consecutive constructors titles. It wasn’t all smiles and praise as the team started to endure mixed results, but Keke won his world title in his first campaign with Williams, and showed tenacity while the squad slipped down the rankings.

For Nico, he joined Williams when they were already quite firmly in a slump, which may have been his saving grace as with it comes understanding. In a clearly uncompetitive car, Rosberg Jr has shown he has talent, and a strong run of points finishes towards the tail end of 2007 were impressive. Even more impressive were his two podiums in 2008. Finishing second in the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix is surely both actually and emotionally Rosberg’s greatest result thus far, completing a race where all about him others were falling off the road and retiring.

2009 has once again proving to be a bit of a let down so far. The car is okay, as is the engine, but through a combination of errors from both team and driver, Nico has so far failed to stand on the podium, despite the FW31 looking very competitive in free practices. The experience of Williams should be guiding Nico to greatness, but alas it looks to be the other way around at the moment, with Rosberg guiding the team.

Does Nico have the talent to compete with the best? Lewis Hamilton seems to think so, and Rosberg’s championship winning GP2 season was impressive. The German pilot out-scored Heikki Kovalainen to take the title, and although both pilots equalled each other on wins in 2005, Nico managed 4 poles and 5 fastest laps to Heikki’s 2 poles and 1 fastest lap. Kovalainen is currently sitting in a McLaren and not enjoying his 2009 Formula One campaign, nor did the Finn do spectacularly well last time around. Would Rosberg do any better though?

Heikki Kovalainen

Speaking of Heikki, does he deserve a better car than he is currently driving? The McLaren MP4-24 is far from an all-conquering machine, and team mate Lewis Hamilton has been getting increasingly frustrated with it this year, telling the media that the team have not given him a machine which he can defend his title with. The Briton has scored some points though and looked, on occasion, quite competitive.

Conversely, Heikki has barely finished a race this season, failing to even get around the opening lap in the first two races. He has scored with the 2009 McLaren, but currently sits on half the points of his team mate. Previously, Kovalainen couldn’t match Hamilton in 2008 and while the Briton took the world championship, Heikki finished in seventh on just over half the points of his team mate. It wasn’t a great performance, but there were glimmers of hope. In 2007, Kovalainen’s debut year, the Finn got off to a slow start, but by the time the drivers had completed the final race, Heikki had comprehensively beaten his much more experienced team mate Giancarlo Fisichella.

Previous to Formula One and as mentioned in relation to Nico Rosberg, Heikki did well in GP2 and missed out on the 2005 title by just 15 points. Finishing second is still a good performance, but one has to wonder why this hasn’t translated into Formula One. Would Kovalainen blitz the field if he was given a decent car? Does he have enough talent, or was 2005, [2006 spent testing] and 2007 the peak of his motor racing career?

Sebastien Buemi

Swiss driver Sebastien Buemi has proven to be a bit of a surprise this year. Being the only rookie in the field, Buemi has already shown up his multiple ChampCar champion team mate Sebastien Bourdais, and brought the Scuderia Toro Rosso home in points-paying positions twice already. In the opening round Bourdais scored, but unfortunately for him, Buemi scored better. At the third round in China, Buemi scored again, and currently sits on three points. It is, by all measures, a good start to his debut campaign.

Prior to Formula One, Buemi didn’t look particularly special, finishing in sixth in his first full GP2 season. Over the winter the Swiss driver competed in the GP2 Asia series and managed to finish second after one win and a string of second places. Compared to Rosberg and Kovalainen in 2005 though, Buemi looks vaguely average.

However, to finish in the points in a Scuderia Toro Rosso is not bad. Although the car is often said to be similar to the race-winning Red Bull, it is actually quite a different motor, being powered by a different engine and managed by a different team of people. Thus far, and while eating humble pie, I have to say that Buemi doesn’t look too bad of a driver and in a couple of years will deserve a shot in a better car. But what say you? Is Buemi any good, or are his results so far completely fluke?

Adrian Sutil

Having competed in Formula One since 2007, Adrian Sutil has endured the worse of all the cars currently mentioned. The Spyker wasn’t up to much and although the Force India he now drives is an improvement, it is still hogging the back row of the grid. However, on occasion Sutil has driven the wheels of the car and positioned himself in places that really he shouldn’t be in.

We all remember the 2008 Monaco Grand Prix where Sutil managed to haul himself up to fourth and was defending his position to the reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen. Unfortunately, Raikkonen crashed into Sutil and his race was over. It wasn’t the only time a Ferrari came into contact with Sutil’s Force India that year as the Scuderia’s pitstop technique often resulted one of their drivers pulling out in front of Sutil. It became almost comical due to the amount of times it happened.

Again this season Sutil has put in a couple of fine performances, finishing in ninth from sixteenth in the season’s opening round, and running in sixth in China before losing the tail of his car and clouting the barrier. However, the fact that the German is able to get his car into these positions shows maturity and skill on his part. Is it enough though. What would happen if Adrian found himself in a Brawn or Red Bull? Would he be winning, or would it be too much for him?

Original article by BlogF1.

Who Deserves A Better Shot At The Big Time?

Although Nakajima was perfectly fine and jumped out of his FW31, the position of the car was awkward and debris was strewn across across the tarmac. The safety car was deployed and remained out for six laps while the race order was sorted behind. Interestingly, while the cars were feeding past, Felipe Massa was seen gesturing to Bernd Maylander, suggesting that Massa wasn’t sure if he should be passing or not.

As the safety car came back in, the tyre temperatures were reduced as were brakes. Jenson Button made a good restart, but Nelson Piquet Jr., who was being challenged by Nico Rosberg, touched his brake pedal going into the first corner and spun off. Piquet complained of brake failure.

On lap 47, Felipe Massa was seen coasting around the back of the track, his Ferrari seemingly given up. The Brazilian retired from the race although it is currently unknown what exactly happened to the F60. Clearly though, reliability is an issue for the Scuderia. Kimi Raikkonen did have a spin just rior to Massa’s retirement and swiped the barrier, although the Finn managed to gather it all together and continue.

Original article by BlogF1.

Australia 2009: Second Drivers Struggle At Albert Park

Despite not setting the track alight on the first day of his final test, Heikki Kovalainen was buoyed by the improvements made to the McLaren MP4-24. Previously, team mate Lewis Hamilton appeared to struggle in the 79s bracket, encouraging the wagging of tongues up and down the pitlane as well as in the media. The problems that are apparently facing McLaren so late in the build up to the season is certainly the talking point of the moment.

By Thursday though, the squad had found something that worked on the modifications made to the car and the young Finn finally looked to be on top of the machine. Kovalainen lapped the Jerez circuit 85 times on Wednesday, and 84 times earlier today.

Kazuki Nakajima followed suit almost identically to his rival. Wednesday saw little in the way of pace, but by Thursday the Japanese driver was on top of his car, the Williams FW31, and Kazuki finished the day ahead of Kovalainen.

Without other teams on track it is still very hard to judge the pace of these two machines, and the improvement in times that both drivers saw may be very easily put down to improvements in track conditions more than anything else. They could both be lapping in the midfield, they could both be up there with Ferrari having found something great in the final two days. To put it simply, we just don’t know. At times, Williams and McLaren have looked strong, although in recent group tests, they have looked mediocre at best.

Jerez Test Day Four Results Table		Lap Time Fastest Time Set	Laps Set Number Laps Set
1.	Heikki Kovalainen McLaren	1m18.202s	85 Laps
2.	Kazuki Nakajima Williams	1m20.023s	103 Laps
Jerez Test Day Five Results Table
1.	Kazuki Nakajima Williams	1m17.494s	102 Laps
2.	Heikki Kovalainen McLaren	1m17.946s	84 Laps

Original article by BlogF1.

Jerez Test Days Four & Five: Kovalainen & Nakajima Share Fastest Laps

In the build up to his first year with the Woking-team, Heikki was very keen to point out that he would be receiving equal status to his much adored team mate, Lewis Hamilton, and that he would never have signed the contract if this were not the case. Unfortunately, even equal opportunities weren’t enough for the Finn’s second year at the sharp end of motor sport, and Hamilton ended the year on almost twice as many points.

Given that Heikki apparently takes his time settling into a team, many waited for the driver, car and team to click into place. Looking back at 2008, it is hard to see if it ever did. Certainly Kovalainen is quick, mature and very good at keeping his head down and racing. But is he really a natural-born racer?

Aside from a win after Felipe Massa’s engine let go at the last minute in Hungary, Heikki failed to stay on the radar during 2008. The only other memorable moments from Kovalainen’s season were his accident in Spain and a rather embarrassing run in Italy. Despite these mixed performances though, Kovalainen was retained for the 2009 campaign, but is the Finn going to be fighting for more than just points this year?

The sport is enjoying an abundance of talent at the moment, and there are plenty more hotshots waiting in the wings and desperate to get a chance to show what they can do in a Formula One car. McLaren are seen as one of the most desirable teams to drive for along with Ferrari, and although some drivers may be wary of competing in such a straight-laced squad alongside Lewis Hamilton, I doubt very many would ever turn down the chance. Well, maybe one driver would, but he’s been there and done it before.

So with the pick of the bunch, McLaren will be carefully analysing Heikki this season, and weighing up their options for 2010. McLaren lost out on the constructors championship in 2008 because Kovalainen couldn’t match the pace of his rivals for much of the season, and if he should repeat this in 2009, it is without doubt that the team will see a driver change.

Conversely, with a shakeup in regulations, Kovalainen could suddenly find himself better suited to the cars. But either way, 2009 is looking more and more like a very important year for Heikki, one he cannot get wrong.

Original article by BlogF1.

Is 2009 A Crucial Year For Heikki Kovalainen’s Career?

Although McLaren have been on a winning streak in recent seasons, they are yet to reclaim the constructors title, last won in 1998 when Mika Hakkinen also took his first of two drivers titles. Since then the McLaren cars have been mostly winners, but reliability issues in the early-to-mid 2000s plagued the team. However, 2007 marked a changed in fortune and with Lewis Hamilton arriving to replace the outgoing Kimi Raikkonen, McLaren’s confidence grew.

Hamilton’s dream was realised last season when in a nail-biting finale to the season, the young Briton took the drivers title by passing Timo Glock at the penultimate corner and earning that one vital extra point. Carrying the number 1 on the front of his car this year, Hamilton will be hoping for a chance to take a second title. However, at the launch Lewis seemed more appealed by the looks of it.

This is the first time I’ve seen it fully put together and it looks beautiful. The team manages to always put together a stunning car and it’s great to see the final outcome of the work that has gone on. Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton also spoke of the emotion of seeing the completed package for the first time and the chassis bearing the number 1 on the front and sides.

The arrival of a new car is always an emotional moment for any racing driver – and the unveiling of MP4-24 is even more special for me, not only because the car looks absolutely stunning but also because it carries the number one. I believe this year’s World Championship is open, given the new rule changes and that’s a great prospect for every Formula 1 fan. Personally, I’m hoping for another successful season and the chance to once again fight for the title – until the final race if necessary, but preferably before. Lewis Hamilton.

Team boss Ron Dennis described the new McLaren (in typical Ron-speak) as “a car correctly conceptualised”, and highlighted the increased amount of work needed to develop the MP4-24 due top the change in regulations for the 2009 season.

Extensive rule changes require extensive amount of work – these are the biggest rules changes we have seen in 15 years.

That requires the technologists in our organisation, they are not just engineers but scientist with high qualifications, to go back to a plain piece of paper and conceptualising what the fundamental requirement are for the regulations.

It is there you can get it wrong because if you get it wrong no amount of development can sort it out. What you see in the MP4-24 is a car correctly conceptualised.

As ever, we exist to win and our target remains the successful acquisition of both this year’s Drivers’ and Constructors’ world titles. Ron Dennis.

With McLaren believed to be ahead of Ferrari with the development of KERS, 2009 could be the year that the Woking-squad take back the constructors championship. But that will remain an unknown at least until the car makes its first run next week at the Portimao test. Experienced test driver Pedro De La Rosa will conduct the first two day’s of testing in Portugal next week where the challenger will undergo its first shakedown alongside three other teams.

Photos © McLaren.

Original article by BlogF1.

Launches 2009: McLaren Present The MP4-24

Image Copyright © GEPA, Andreas Reichart.

Original article by BlogF1.

Caption Contest: #62

The start of the race was impressive and while both McLaren’s got off the line well, Massa found a sweet spot and pushed forward past Kovalainen. Hamilton moved over to the right to defend his inside line, but Massa just powered his way around the outside. Further back, Kimi Raikkonen also made a good start, but unfortuantely for the Finn, Fernando Alonso got a better move off the line and passed the Ferrari.

The positions remained pretty much constant for the first stint with Massa trying his best to edge out a gap. The small distance between the Ferrari and McLaren increased and decreased as each lap passed, but it rarely moved over 3s or under 1s. At this early stage of the race it was clear that Massa was quite light and Kovalainen was quite heavy. Where Hamilton fell into the fuel level chart was harder to tell but suffice to say, it was somehwere in between.

Further down the pack, Timo Glock and Nelson Piquet Jr. were driving well and setting reasonably competitive lap times. However, David Coulthard was not doing so well and the Scot struggled with his tyres. On lap 18 Massa pitted for fresh boots and fuel, but it was only one lap later that Hamilton came in for the same. Massa went onto the harder of the two soft tyre compounds while McLaren did not change Hamilton’s boots. McLaren have been in this situation before, but the decision was made and Hamilton rejoined the track.

On lap 32, a series of small fuel fires drew attention to the pitlane once again. Sebastien Bourdais was covered in extinguisher foam as he trundled down the pitlane, and Rubens Barrichello and Kazuki Nakajima both suffered similar fates during their stops. While neither incident led to further implications (although I’m sure Bourdais was not entirely happy with a face full of foam), concern was voiced while the teams discussed the strange coincidence of three fires in as many laps.

By lap 36, Massa and Hamilton were well clear of third placed driver Kovalainen, the gap between themselves hovering arund the four-second mark. Five laps later though and the race would be turned on its head. Lewis Hamilton ran wide into turn five and when the camera caught up with the Briton, his front-left tyre was flailing around. Replays showed the McLaren getting a puncture earlier in the lap and Hamilton was forced to crawl back to the pitlane. Thankfully a new nose wasn’t needed and little other damaged was caused, the time wasted from completing a careful lap added to the extra pitstop meant Hamilton was well down the pecking order when he rejoined the track.

It would take Lewis Hamilton only ten or so laps before he was in the points again in eighth, and as those ahead of him pitted, Hamilton gradually moved moved back up the order. Towards the end of the race Kimi Raikkonen, who had a lacklustre day back in the mid-points, turned the wick up and started to push hard. Fernando Alonso ran well and Timo Glock managed to maintain his position, hanging on to the best of the rest group.

With just three laps to go and with Raikkonen breathing down Glock’s gearbox, Felipe Massa pulled his Ferrari over to the side of the track, a large plume of smoke billowing from the back. Realising that making a rash move could end his race and points for Ferrari, Raikkonen settled for third and Heikki Kovalainen took the victory – his first in only a season-and-a-half of racing in Formula One. Renault did well to get both drivers in the points, Alonso claiming five points while team mate Piquet getting three. Toyota were on-song and Glock’s podium reflected Trulli’s efforts in Germany. The Italian half of the team finished in seventh and collected a further two points for the Japanese team.

This result leaves Hamilton and Raikkonen separated by just five points at the top of the championship tables, while Massa is in third just three down on his team mate. McLaren have closed in on Ferrari in the constructors, the gap between the pair now just eleven points with BMW a further ten behind McLaren. With just seven races to go, the championship is looking healthy and competitive. We saw today that Ferrari can still hold their own against McLaren (or at least, Massa can, when it’s dry), we saw Heikki receive a confidence boost and we have seen Toyota show us that they can make progress and get decent results. On to Valencia…

Original article by BlogF1.

Hungary 2008: Heikki Kovalainen Steals Victory From Felipe Massa

Hungary 2008: Race Result

Original article by BlogF1.

Hungary 2008: Race Result

Now I don’t think Heikki could have matched Hamilton’s pace yesterday even if his tyres were in great condition – let’s face it, Hamilton put in quite a performance in front of his home crowds. And it should also be noted that Lewis is usually the driver who gets called up about tyre preservation, or indeed the lack thereof. However, Kovalainen’s problems were, according to the Finn himself, of his own doing.

I just struggled with my rear tyres all the way through the race, to be honest. They were going away and I was damaging them excessively. The car control became difficult and I had to slow down. This was the reason I couldn’t keep up.

It looks like in the low grip conditions I put more load on the tyres. We saw that a little bit in Canada, where I had more tyre wear compared to Lewis again. In the rain when the grip is lower I put a little more load on the rear tyres. It’s probably something I need to look.

Perhaps we can look a bit at the set-up. But I think I can improve that area myself as well. Heikki Kovalainen.

Heikki said he was disappointed about his result but also said that he has taken many positives out of the weekend and is looking forward to Hockenheim in a fortnight. However, his honesty at Silverstone is impressive, or at least it is to me. Often when a driver makes a mistake, they will try to pass the blame, to save face, to get out of jail. However, privately they know the real reason, and in Formula One, so will the engineers – telemetry is a very telling thing.

Heikki could have spouted out some PR-friendly/no-one-is-to-blame answer and scurried away. But instead he chose to be honest and hold his hand up. Much like when David Coulthard returned from the gravel trap yesterday; the Scot knew it was his fault and decided to be honest and move on. Coulthard is ten years Heikki’s senior and 211 races further up the road though; he’s been there and done that already.

So why have I bothered to mention this? After all, it is a seemingly small and insignificant thing to write about. But I like to talk about some of the incidents that bring the sport back down to a human level, that show humility and emotion. Formula One is often robotic and business-like. In fact, Formula One is mostly a business, and the drivers are very often criticised for being little more than machines. But to hear a driver say he needs to improve in a few areas, but not in an apologetic getting out of trouble with the boss way, in a sincere and self-concious way, it’s nice. It raises Heikki’s reputation in my mind. Yes, he messed up, but at least he can hold his hand up and say so.

Original article by BlogF1.

Humble Heikki Blames Himself For British Grand Prix Blunder

Q1

The first session was away very quickly as the teams looked up and saw dark clouds looming over the outer-edges of the Northamptonshire track. The forecasts in the proceeding week predicted some rain in the early part of the weekend, and most drivers went out early to put a banker in. Straight away Mark Webber was looking good in the Red Bull and Heikki posted a fine lap on hard tyres to go ahead of his team mate. Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren looked imperilous on some parts of the track but the wind was strong and caused a few moments for the drivers.

Sebastian Vettel was also on fire, the young German nailing the circuit getting into the top three for part of the session. David Coulthard, competing in his final qualifying session for the Formula One British Grand Prix was looking dangerously close to having his afternoon ending in disaster, managed to be one of the last drivers to post a decent lap before the rain came. On the fourteenth minute of the twenty-minute session, the menacing dark cloud gave way and a brief shower fell on part of the track.

It was looking as though those drivers in the dropzone would end up staying there as everybody flooded back into the pitlane and under shelter. However, after a couple of minutes the Hondas ventured out on track. The general concensus being that they had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Also going out were the Force Indias, both Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil in the zone and looking likely to get stuck in Q1 again.

As the drivers passed the first sector Sebastien Bourdais went noticeably quicker than he had done before the rain shower, suggesting that it didn’t rain too heavily and the cars were unaffected. For sector two, Bourdais quickest of all and by the time he had completed his lap, he was into Q2 with a decent time. Bourdais was sixth!

Fisichella spun his Force India and couldn’t improve, and Jenson Button followed suit with a complete lap, but a slow time. Rubens Barrichello failed to get past Q1 as well, Nico Rosberg and Adrian Sutil being the other two. In fact, Rosberg is having a terrible weekend. According to the team, his car has a strange suspension-related problem that started on Friday. The team have stripped the car and tried various things to solve the issue, but they cannot find the source of the problem. And the problem is quite severe; the rear of Rosberg’s car was jumping up and down over the bumps and kerbs. And to rub salt into the wound, Nico’s FW30 is now in Parc Ferme and essentially cannot be touched until after the race.

Q2

With rain shower gone and the track looking good, the second qualifying session started although few ventured out on track. Eventually Renault sent Fernando Alonso out to set a lap and soon after everyone else took to the track. Hamilton’s first run was okay and it managed to get him ahead of Kovalainen, but once again all eyes were on Webber and the fine form he was on. As the Australian crossed the timing beacon, he was into third!

The second session also highlighted that Ferrari were not looking all that good, with Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen failing to seriously challenge the McLaren’s. Sebastien Vettel hurled his Scuderia Toro Rosso into Q3 with an impressive performance, but his team mate Bourdais couldn’t quite make it and dropped out of qualifying. Coulthard also dropped out along with Timo Glock, Jarno Trulli and Kazuki Nakajima.

Q3

With only ten minutes to go before the pole position would be known, the top ten drivers ventured out on to Silverstone’s tarmac. Kimi Raikkonen set a decent time on his first run, and although it would be no where near good enough for pole, he did the time with a huge slide partway around the lap. But Kimi wouldn’t be the only off of the afternoon as Lewis Hamilton got ragged and skated over the gravel and grass on his fast lap. Interestingly though, the Briton (or the team) chose not to abort the run and pit, and instead continued for another run. It was pointless though and Hamilton couldn’t lay down a decent lap time.

Of the final runs, Kimi Raikkonen went first and set a provisional pole time, but a few moments later all eyes were on Hamilton. Alas, he couldn’t do it and slotted in just behind Raikkonen on the timing sheet. The third driver to go for it was Webber, and boy did he go for it. As he came out of Woodcote and onto the start/finish straight, the Red Bull garage exploded with joy; their man was fastest. Realistically, only one other driver could take the position away from Webber, but unfortunately for them, that man was Kovalainen and he was on fire today.

Heikki took the pole on his last run and showed the world that McLaren made the right decision in hiring him at the end of 2007. The lap went very well and Kovalainen has made very few mistakes all weekend. His calm and collected nature has finally shone through and the grid for tomorrow’s race looks very, very interesting.

It was a great qualifying session and lots of action at the end of each part. I’m still not convinced this is the best format, but that is irrelevant when everything works out well. The rain added a little spice and I’m pleased that Heikki finally has a pole position. Let’s see what he can make of it in tomorrow’s British Grand Prix.

Original article by BlogF1.

Silverstone 2008: Heikki Kovalainen Takes Maiden Pole

Silverstone 2008: Qualifying Results

Original article by BlogF1.

Silverstone 2008: Qualifying Result

Felipe Massa was forced to sit out for half of the 90 minute running while his Ferrari F2008 was being repaired from his earlier accident and could only fit in 18 laps. Kimi Raikkonen ran a conservative strategy in the sister Ferrari, completing 31 laps and going twelfth quickest. Ferrari weren’t the only team down in the tables though as Toyota had problems.

Timo Glock suffered a gearbox problem and ground to a halt coming out of Club, and Jarno Trulli exited the session in more spectacular fashion. Trulli’s rear wing on his TF108 departed the car on the run down to Stowe, pitching the car into a spin and clouting the barriers. Jarno is perfectly okay but as with Massa in the morning, the car took substantial damage.

Things clearly haven’t gone well for us today. It’s difficult to say what happened, I just lost the rear wing and went off. After that I was taken to the medical centre for a routine check but I am fine and cleared to return to the cockpit tomorrow. Jarno Trulli.

Toyota-powered Williams driver Kazuki Nakajima spun his car into the barriers on the exit of Abbey and suffered front wing and suspension damage. The Japanese rookie was able to get his car back to the pitlane and the mechanics set about mending it for tomorrow’s qualifying session. Kazuki’s team mate Nico Rosberg ran to a strong fifth though, adding some consolation to Williams’s start to the weekend.

And as the drivers did in France, the proposed new safety car rules were once again tried out as the cars toured back in after their final laps. There is currently no further news or comments from the drivers as of yet, but should anything become available it wil be reported on BlogF1.

Silverstone 2008: Friday Free Practice Two

Original article by BlogF1.

Silverstone 2008: Friday Afternoon Practice

There was a lot of gusting wind out there today, which can make direct comparisons difficult. Still, we made some progress with our set-up and aerodynamics programme. We are obviously looking to build on our result at last Sunday’s French Grand Prix. Now I hope we will be in good shape for another strong race here next week. Jarno Trulli.

Nico Rosberg ran well in the Williams and Nelson Piquet also had a moan about the windy conditions in Northamptonshire today. Piquet was also quelling the media who have been suggesting that he has only a limited number of races to improve his form. While Piquet may believe this to not be the case, Renault chiefs weren’t so hesitant to lay it on the line last month.

And for comedy value (because he was uninjured), Force India used their new engine cover fin today on Fisichella’s car, designed to improve stability now that the standard ECU on the cars limits the engine braking and can make the car unstable under heavy braking. Unfortunately though, Giancarlo Fisichella had a sizeable shunt going through the fast Becketts Complex and had stop testing for the rest of the day. The team have said (and this is the comedy bit) that Fisichella was caught out by a change in grip, and this was likely caused by a gust of wind and destabilised the car. Fisichella was taken to the medical centre as a precaution, but all is well with the Italian.

The car felt quicker even though the balance was not so good because of the high winds. Unfortunately I just got caught out by a change in grip and balance going through Becketts and went off the track and hit the barriers. I wasn’t hurt at all, but I did not take my hands off the wheel and they had to do some checks to make sure my wrist was okay. Giancarlo Fisichella.

The teams will be action again tomorrow as the test continues.

Silverstone Test: Day Two Times

Original article by BlogF1.

Silverstone Test Day Two: Heikki Goes Top, Fisi Goes Off

The Brazilian driver arrived in Formula One with a lot of promise, many people believing he would blow Alonso away. Needless to say that hasn’t exactly happened and the poor Renault pilot has struggled to get to grips with the R28. It is also worth noting that the 2008 Renault isn’t a great car and comparing Piquet to Alonso is a little unfair; Ecclestone recently rated Fernando as the best all-round driver on the grid. And with two championships behind him already, it is hard to disagree with the diminutive Brit.

Piquet passed Alonso in the closing stages of the French Grand Prix and went from eighth to seventh and demoted his team mate down the points order. After finishing the race Piquet was naturally exuberant with his first point-scoring result in Formula One, as was team boss Flavio Briatore, a man who has been almost unnaturally calm following Piquet’s troubled start to 2008.

It’s the first time that everything has gone without any problems for me. The car and the team’s strategy worked well and I was able to score my first couple of points today. I am happy and I hope that we can continue like this for the rest of the season. Nelson Piquet Jr.

Nelson had a remarkable race, very consistent and aggressive, and I am very pleased to see him score his first points today. Flavio Briatore.

However, while Piquet’s points will be enjoyed for the next two weeks, is it enough to quell the concern at Renault HQ. Last month Steve Nielson was critical of Piquet and refused to deny that his position was under threat.

I think rather than say he’s had a disastrous start to the season, it’s a bit of a curate’s egg – there are good bits and bad bits.
But he needs to start having more good bits than the bad bits, and he needs to start doing that as soon as he can because F1 is a business, it’s a very cut-throat business, and if people don’t deliver they go the obvious way. Steve Nielson.

Piquet has been testing a lot recently, and generally he has appeared to be more consistent at recent races. But is it already too late? Kovalainen scored points in only his second Formula One race last year, and then he scored again in Spain before starting a string of good finishes from the British Grand Prix onwards.

Therefore, I think it is fair to say that Piquet needs to continue his result from France to push for more during the middle of the season. He needs to minimise his retirements and stick to Alonso like glue.

Image © Glenn Dunbar/LAT.

Original article by BlogF1.

Has Nelson Piquet Jr Saved His Bacon?

In the F1Fanatic Live Blog, Keith said that he felt Trulli was driving dangerously and should ‘have the book thrown at him’. Indeed, Heikki had pulled up alongside, but was it far enough ahead for Trulli to back off and concede the position? Have your say in the comments below Unfortunately, I can only have one poll going at a time, and currently it is taken up with the Hamilton-penalty post. But the comments are where you can have your say, so get typing…

Original article by BlogF1.

Was Trulli Driving Dangerously When Heikki Made His Move?

Heikki was following the Williams of Kazuki Nakajima at the time of the infringement on an out-lap and Mark Webber lost a fair amount of time following the slow moving McLaren in his Red Bull. This penalty means Kovalainen has been knocked back to tenth on the grid with Hamilton starting in thirteenth.

With thanks to Axis of Oversteer. To see the full video please visit this post on the Axis of Oversteer website.

Original article by BlogF1.

Heikki Kovalainen Gets Five Grid Place Penalty

The triathlon is often regarded as one of the toughest events to do as an athlete, combining a 1500 metre swim, a 43km cycle ride and finishing with a 10km run. On Sunday, Button finished 117th out of 1700 participants and said he was “chuffed to bits” with the result.

I’m absolutely chuffed to bits. I was hoping to break 2 hours 30 minutes so I am very happy with my result and really enjoyed it. It was a fantastic experience. I was in agony on the run after pushing hard on the bike, but the crowds were a great support. Jenson Button.

Button isn’t the only driver to use other disciplines to further his fitness and strength, Mark Webber being well-known for organizing his Tasmania Challenge each year during the off-season. Set in the grueling countryside of Tasmania, Webber combines canoeing with cycling and hiking and asks for sports-people the world over to form teams and take part. Webber’s challenge raises a lot of money for many charities and offers athletes from a variety of sports to try something a little different.

Alex Zanardi also takes a keen interest in sports outside of motor racing, the Italian recently took part in the New York Marathon on a hand bike. Zanardi lost both his legs in an accident in 2001, but took part in the 26-mile trek on an adapted wheelchair/bike alongside abled-body competitor Heikki Kovalainen who ran the distance in just over 3.5 hours.

Original article by BlogF1.

Button Does Well In Windsor Triathlon

According to McLaren, a clear lacquer coat was applied to the outer-clamp surface, and this caused the wheel to distort and eventually fail.

It has been established that, owing to a process fault during manufacture, the outer clamp surface of the wheel was given a clear lacquer coating. As a consequence of this fault, the clamp load that attached the wheel was not to specification.

In running, the consequent loss of load caused the wheel to fret and distort, leading to its eventual failure.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and the wheel supplier have now established new procedures designed to prevent a re-occurrence of this issue. McLaren Press Statement.

Initially, some reporters had suggested a link to Lewis Hamilton’s accident at the Nurburgring circuit last year, where the Briton’s wheel essentially fell off. Although Lewis was uninjured in that accident, the impact was quite heavy. However, replays of the footage tended show it was more of a tyre failure on Heikki’s car than a wheel failure. As it turns out, it was the wheel that did fail, but it is not linked to any previous incident.

Original article by BlogF1.

McLaren Conclude Investigation Into Heikki’s Shunt

Following a medical examination this morning by the FIA Medical Delegate, Professor Jean-Charles Piette, and the Chief Medical Officer of the event, Dr. Cem Boneval, Heikki Kovalainen was cleared to race in the 2008 Turkish Grand Prix. FIA Statement.

Due to the nature of Kovalainen’s accident, and the fact he suffered a concussion (amazingly, his only real injury), Heikki had to pass a mandatory FIA medical test before being given the okay to race again. This he did earlier this morning at the Istanbul Park circuit, ahead of free practice tomorrow. Kovalainen seems relatively unfazed by the accident, his second large shunt in his Formula One career so far.

Everyone involved in the sport, the FIA in particular, is always working on improving safety for the drivers, but Formula One is a risky business. You know that as a driver, but you don’t think about it. If you worry about things like that, you lose focus; I guess it is just not in my psyche.

I think the accident probably looked worse than it was for me. I had a little headache but was back in training almost immediately. I now look forward to the rest of the weekend and the rest of the season. Heikki Kovalainen.

Original article by BlogF1.

Heikki Kovalainen Fit To Race In Turkey

I have a slight headache and a stiff neck, but apart from that I am feeling well and in good spirits. Heikki Kovalainen.

Considering Heikki impacted the barrier at what must have been close to 140mph, his injuries are impressively minor. Heikki was rested in hospital due to concussion, but a CT scan revealed no other damage to his head.

What is especially important is the fact that the monocoque withstood the heavy impact, so credit should also be given to everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes for that. Heikki Kovalainen.

And looking at the photographs of the remains of Heikki’s MP4-23, the monocoque appears to have done its job perfectly. The entire front of the car was destroyed in the impact, but it is clear that the area from the footwell backwards remains visually intact, exactly where the life-cell begins.

The accident saw Kovalainen spear off the track at high speed and clout the tyre wall almost head-on. The accident is similar to that of Michael Schumacher’s at Silverstone in 1999. In that particular incident, the world champion’s Ferrari went straight on at Stowe corner at high speed and dug in deep into the tyre wall. Schumacher suffered multiple breaks in his legs which forced him to sit out the remainder of the season.

Kovalainen’s McLaren also penetrated the tyre wall deeply, and a photograph taking from the line of impact shows just how far into the wall the Finn went. Also visible from the photograph is the rise in the tyres, suggesting they lifted as the car went in, pretty much null-and voiding any measure of safety they are meant to provide. My memory is a little vague on the Schumacher incident, but I do remember the tyres not providing as much help to the German as we thought they were meant to.

Safety barriers aside though, it is good news that Heikki will eventually walk away from this scary crash, and I’m sure we all look forward to seeing his return in the McLaren in a week-and-a-halves time.

My focus is on getting better as soon as possible so I can pass the FIA medical inspection required to allow me to race in Turkey.

I don’t remember anything from the accident or what happened afterwards but would obviously like to thank all the circuit emergency staff, the FIA medical team at the track and the doctors at the hospital for all their efforts in looking after me. Heikki Kovalainen.

Heikki also insisted that while it was clearly a problem with the wheel that caused the accident, the team still don’t know exactly what happened and will wait until further analysis has been completed before specifying the reason for the tyre failure.

Original article by BlogF1.

Kovalainen Pays Tribute To Strong Car & Attentive Staff

The safety car was immediately deployed with the Medical car in tow. Marshals swarmed over the McLaren trying to assess Heikki’s condition, but from the camera view, the McLaren went very deep into the barrier.

The doctors are suggesting that Kovalainen is okay. One said Heikki said he was fine, and another says he is 100% okay. We await official word though.

Heikki was stretchered away, waving to the crowds and giving the thumbs up. From the replay shown, it appears the Finn has a deflated front-left tyre. McLaren still don’t know exactly what has happened, but have suggested a stone got between the rim and tyre and caused the tyre to let go.

Currently, Kovalainen is being flown by helicopter to hospital for checks. Although his legs don’t appear to have been strapped and set, indicating no broken bones.

I will post more news when it becomes available.

Original article by BlogF1.

Heikki Kovalainen Suffers High-Speed Incident

Heikki Kovalainen has been doing a pretty good job at McLaren, and even though he made a silly mistake in Australia, the pace of the Finn has impressed many. But having made his peace with Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali by way of a handshake, it seems McLaren chief Ron Dennis has turned his attention to Renault’s Flavio Briatore. It is often said that Dennis didn’t handle Fernando Alonso very well while the Spaniard was at the Woking stable, and Alonso himself has stated that he is happier now he has returned to Renault. So why oh why has Dennis taken the opportunity to question Briatore’s management technique?

The question results from Dennis being quoted as saying that McLaren have systematically rebuilt Kovalainen into a confident racing driver after his time at Renault. The words uttered by Dennis are quite strong and definitely come across as a slap to the face of Briatore.

Heikki is a guy who was systematically taken apart last year and we have systematically put him back together again.

It [Heikki's time at Renault] is a story about how this guy lost his motivation and was misguided in how he should go about his physical preparation. But credit to Martin [Whitmarsh] and the guys who analyse all of the potential candidates, going back to lesser formulae. We look for the patterns. Where was the driving skill? Who was in the best team? When we applied those criteria he [Kovalainen] was miles ahead of any other option. Ron Dennis.

I think it is fair to say that Kovalainen is doing well at McLaren, perhaps better then he was at Renault. And when Heikki made a sily mistake, Dennis immediately defended his young driver. Roll back twelve months and Flavio Briatore was scolding his drivers after a dismal start to Renault’s 2007 campaign.

It could be that Dennis is trying to reaffirm his ability to nurture drivers, it could be a simple bow shot to Renault. Or it could even be a realisation that Heikki needs little confidence boosters like these to help him along his way. Either way, part of Dennis’s speech is clearly directed towards Briatore and the words chosen are pretty strong.

Original article by BlogF1.

Dennis Hits Out At Briatore’s Management Style

car was pretty terrible and the team suffered a winless season. Fisichella’s name was dragged through the mud and the Italian lost a lot of reputation the world over. I feared that a talent such as Kovalainen would end up being lost due to the spectacular down turn of the Renault team. But both survived, and now they are on the up again. But thanks aren’t just owed to themselves and their new teams, because thanks are also due to the R28 and the man who believes he has six-tenths up his sleeve.

By January 2008, both Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen had been unceremoniously fired to make way for a returning Alonso and young rookie Nelson Piquet Jr. Kovalainen found solace at McLaren while Fisichella went to Force India. A strange move for the Italian but I suspect it was one of very few options available to him at the time. Both drivers reputations had been tested in 2007, partly thanks to the wayward car and lack of results, and partly thanks to poor management by Flavio Briatore. While all eyes were on Ron Dennis, few noticed just how often Briatore berated his men for lack of points.

But now we have the ability to make some comparisons. I grant you they are a little crude, but I’m going to make them regardless, the reputations of Heikki and Fisi being too important to ignore on this site.

The R28, the current Renault that has pounded its way around Albert Park and earlier today, Sepang, is a development of the R27. And knowing that the R27 wasn’t that great you’d expect a few improvements to have been made along the way. Thankfully (for this post), the 2007 season started out the same as 2008; Albert Park followed by Sepang.

By the end of the 2007 Malaysian race Fisichella had accrued seven points, Heikki one. At the same point this year, Alonso rests on six while Piquet Jr is yet to score. In their new teams, Heikki has impressed with strong runs for McLaren and Fisichella looks settled in the Force India. The Finn should have been on two podium now but an error late in the Australian Grand Prix put paid to that. His overtaking move on Fernando Alonso was great though and undoubtedly put a smile on Ron Dennis’s face.

Further down the grid Giancarlo impressed during the winter in the old Spyker F8-VII. The new VJM01 isn’t much different and strong runs in free practice and qualifying underline the Italian’s strengths. His twelfth place finish in Malaysia was a great result, especially when you consider he outraced Rubens Barrichello (Australia result: 6th before penalty), Nico Rosberg (Australia result: 3rd) and Kazuki Nakajima (Australia result: 7th).

So should have Fisichella been given the berating he did last season for under-performing in the Renault? No, I believe not. For sure Giancarlo didn’t perform at his best, but the Renault R27 was a poor chassis. It has been evolved into the R28, but it would appear the team have taking a step backwards. Don’t forget, Fernando Alonso brings six tenths with him!

Heikki too deserves praise for claiming 30 points in 2007, something I feel Fernando Alonso will will struggle to match this season. The Finn’s performances so far in the McLaren MP4-23 have been good and he will only get better. A win is surely on the cards and once that milestone is broken I suspect Heikki’s success will gather pace quickly.

So where does this leave Renault? With a poor car and egg on their faces, I believe.

Original article by BlogF1.

The R28: All Off A Sudden Fisichella & Kovalainen Don’t Look So Bad

I was on my last lap, my first lap on the option tyres, which was the quickest and should have been even quicker, if not for the two McLarens driving in the middle of the racing line at 80 or less km/h, while I was doing 289. It was not really normal, and that just caused me some laptime.

I think this has cost me about two tenths of a second, which would have meant being third instead of seventh. I just couldn’t drive on the line I wanted and, even more importantly, could not brake were I wanted. Nick Heidfeld.

For me, the decision is important because of another fact – the difference in speed between Nick and two slow cars was more than 200 km/h – which was a very dangerous situation. Mario Theissen.

McLaren have said they will not appeal the decision and accept the punishment handed to them.

We accept the stewards’ decisions, but would like to add that neither Lewis nor Heikki impeded any of their competitors deliberately. It was an unfortunate incident, nothing more, nothing less. We look forward to tomorrow’s race. Martin Whitmarsh.

Original article by BlogF1.

McLaren Drivers Penalised

Of the driver pairings lining up on the grid this season, surely McLaren’s is the most mouthwatering. In terms of talent, McLaren’s line-up is arguably the strongest on the grid. Not bad for a pair of drivers who were rookies last season.

But it is also a particularly mouthwatering prospect in terms of which of the drivers will come out on top. It was often said last season that Lewis Hamilton benefited by being in the best car in the grid and that if Heikki Kovalainen had been in the Brit’s shoes then Kovy would have got just as much attention. This season will put that theory to the test.

The first thing to point out is that, despite the theory, Kovalainen faces an uphill struggle to beat Lewis Hamilton this season. The Brit blew everyone away with his instant speed and obvious comfort within the McLaren team. For much of the season he had the upper hand over his more experienced team mate. That really is saying something because I consider Fernando Alonso to be the best driver in the pack.

Of course, one can point to the fact that Hamilton always had an advantage over his team mate. After all, the Brit has effectively been an employee of McLaren for around a decade. That is easily long enough for the team and the driver to form a special relationship. As McLaren have invested so much in Hamilton’s career, Hamilton will feel particularly motivated to repay the team for the trust they have shown over the years.

Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso came along having spent several years in a team with a very different culture – Renault. Heikki Kovalainen has arrived at McLaren from the same team. The odds will be stacked against him. If a double World Champion found the situation tough to handle, goodness knows how the relatively inexperienced Kovalainen will cope.

On skill alone, though, surely Kovalainen has what it takes? Well, that is the $64,000 question because maybe he doesn’t. There were big expectations when he arrived in Melbourne last year. But he was so disappointing that Flavio Briatore joked that it must have been Heikki’s brother who was driving.

Maybe that suggests that Kovalainen cannot handle the big occasion. I’m sure my nerves would be jangling if I were competing in my first ever Formula 1 race. Hamilton, too, struggled under the almighty pressure of the Championship climax at the end of the 2007 season. But during his first race Hamilton impressed us all with his amazing confidence and composure. The question is, therefore, if Kovalainen found his first race too nerve-wracking, how on earth would he cope when the heat is really on and he is competing for the World Championship?

And this is the thing. Hamilton already has experience in this area. Okay, so he made some quite serious mistakes towards the end of last season. But the experience will have taught him a lot. Hamilton was already an amazingly mature driver when he arrived in Melbourne at this time last year. Imagine how wise that head is now following the events of last season.

He will have learnt how to deal with his own mistakes. He has endured psychological warfare against a double World Champion. He has dealt with a highly politically charged season, with McLaren’s spying woes that just went from bad to worse as the season went on. And during testing he has coped with racial insults from an (albeit tiny minority of) army of angry and partisan Alonso fans.

This is all character-building stuff, and Kovalainen has not benefited from any of it. Languishing in the mid pack in a disappointingly slow car and wringing a few results of it was probably not what Kovalainen had in mind. It will have done one of two things. Either it has made him hungrier for success, in which case Hamilton should watch out. The alternative is that it has stunted Kovalainen’s development and propelled him into a career of Trulli- or Fisichella-style resignation.

Whatever, it is difficult to say that Kovalainen has benefited from the experience of 2007 as much as Hamilton will have. That will make the Brit even more formidable than he was against Alonso. I dearly hope, for the sake of good competition, that Kovalainen has what it takes to battle with Formula 1’s golden boy. But I fear that he does not.

Duncan writes for vee8.

Original article by BlogF1.

F12008: Guest Post On Hamilton & Kovalainen