http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=350770&FS=F1

McLaren insists it operates without a driver hierarchy, but Kovalainen, 27, painted a different picture in conversation with the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat.

"It was always difficult to accept that Lewis was always the first to receive the new parts.

"I have never wanted to make a big deal about it, but it would have been nice to just once had the new parts on my car, particularly after we lost the chance of winning the championship," he said.

"I could have complained publicly but instead wanted to show the team that I always give maximum effort with the car that I have, and I think they realise that."

Kovalainen also alleges that he has not enjoyed equal status in terms of race strategies.

"Every time this season when Hamilton and I are in the third part (Q3) of qualifying, I had to do it with more fuel. If you take into account the quantities of fuel, I would have had pole position several times," he insists.

Kovalainen admits his performances at times this season could have been better, but does not rule out staying at McLaren in 2010.

"I am 100 per cent sure that McLaren has not yet made a decision. We'll see what they do," he said.

I feel for Kovy, but what was he expecting when he joined McLaren? He should have known that he was joining Hammy's team. Plus, someone in the team will get the new parts first, and someone will get the "optimal" fuel strategy. It might as well be the better driver (or at least the perceived better driver), which in this case, IMO, the better driver would be Hammy.

Nothing new here, I wish Kimi would sign for McLaren. Then we could see who's the best driver. On the other hand be careful Kimi ,read the contract before you sign

Armanius - 30 October 2009 05:10 PM

http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=350770&FS=F1

McLaren insists it operates without a driver hierarchy, but Kovalainen, 27, painted a different picture in conversation with the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat.

"It was always difficult to accept that Lewis was always the first to receive the new parts.

"I have never wanted to make a big deal about it, but it would have been nice to just once had the new parts on my car, particularly after we lost the chance of winning the championship," he said.

"I could have complained publicly but instead wanted to show the team that I always give maximum effort with the car that I have, and I think they realise that."

Kovalainen also alleges that he has not enjoyed equal status in terms of race strategies.

"Every time this season when Hamilton and I are in the third part (Q3) of qualifying, I had to do it with more fuel. If you take into account the quantities of fuel, I would have had pole position several times," he insists.

Kovalainen admits his performances at times this season could have been better, but does not rule out staying at McLaren in 2010.

"I am 100 per cent sure that McLaren has not yet made a decision. We'll see what they do," he said.

I feel for Kovy, but what was he expecting when he joined McLaren? He should have known that he was joining Hammy's team. Plus, someone in the team will get the new parts first, and someone will get the "optimal" fuel strategy. It might as well be the better driver (or at least the perceived better driver), which in this case, IMO, the better driver would be Hammy.

Anzie was right all along.

Yes, I remember Anzi or someone else translating some comments made by Kovy last year from the Finnish TV. But if I recall correctly, Kovy's statements weren't this explicit.

It would be interesting to see Kimi in McLaren again.

Armanius - 30 October 2009 05:20 PM

Yes, I remember Anzi or someone else translating some comments made by Kovy last year from the Finnish TV. But if I recall correctly, Kovy's statements weren't this explicit.

It would be interesting to see Kimi in McLaren again.

I'm not so sure Kimi could handle such deplorable working conditions again after his terrible time at Ferrari.

No offense Kovi, but do you really expect equal treatment with the driver mclaren had been grooming since he was about 10?

kimi is a good talent but his talent compared to Hamilton I think wouldn't be such a great display on his part. We seen the 'equal' treatment thing with Hamilton and Alonso. Who won that battle? That's what I thought. Even as a rookie he was showing up the TWO-TIME World Champion. Kimi i don't see as a threat.

CerinoDevoti - 30 October 2009 05:24 PM

Armanius - 30 October 2009 05:20 PM

Yes, I remember Anzi or someone else translating some comments made by Kovy last year from the Finnish TV. But if I recall correctly, Kovy's statements weren't this explicit.

It would be interesting to see Kimi in McLaren again.

I'm not so sure Kimi could handle such deplorable working conditions again after his terrible time at Ferrari.

For 25 million pounds annually, I would submit myself to the deplorable conditions in Ferrari and/or McLaren!! As long as I don't have to do any sponsor schmoozing of course!!

TF109B - 30 October 2009 05:27 PM

kimi is a good talent but his talent compared to Hamilton I think wouldn't be such a great display on his part. We seen the 'equal' treatment thing with Hamilton and Alonso. Who won that battle? That's what I thought. Even as a rookie he was showing up the TWO-TIME World Champion. Kimi i don't see as a threat.

Kimi's record speaks for itself, and he's pretty clearly the equal of anyone else on the grid, in the car. You can hate him for his personality, but you don't have a record like Kimi's and be anything less than top-shelf. Lewis may be Mclaren's pet project, but Kimi was a bit of a special one for McLaren as well, and I bet his crew (currently Heikki's) would love to have him back...

Kovalainen should have known this when he signed with the team. It's no secret that McLaren has favored Hamilton since he joined the team. Kovalainen should realize that being #2 driver is better than being #1 driver or driver with equal status on team like Williams. It worked out well for Coulthard.

Heikki isn't the 1st to talk like this about McLaren & I doubt he'll be the last.

ITV noted several times last year that in Q3, fuel corrected Heikki matched lewis & BBC noted the same at times this year.

I recall Mid last year Martin Whitmarsh even said the same sort of thing.


Having said that however, there has been times when Heikki has had a good opportunity & simply not delivered.