Unlucky Kovy Frustrated

Heikki Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes

McLaren’s Heikki Kovalainen was frustrated to endure yet another difficult race after he missed out on a podium finish for the sixth consecutive grand prix.

The Finn looked on course for just his second top three finish of the year at Hockenheim after running strongly behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Felipe Massa in the race’s first half.

But, not for the first time in 2008, the safety car period and ensuing pit lane melee cost him three positions and although he gained one back with a brilliant overtaking move on BMW’s Robert Kubica, was disappointed to end up fifth.

Kovalainen said:

“A very difficult race for me.“

“I had a good start and almost managed to pass Felipe but, unfortunately, my speed was not good enough, and I couldn’t make the tyres work to their best.

“The safety car period didn’t help me either, and I lost positions during my pit-stop.

“Then I lost time behind Kubica.

“However, I managed to overtake him again two laps later and, from then on, it was a rather uneventful race.”

Kovalainen now hopes his luck will turn at the next round in Budapest.

“Fifth position was not what I had hoped to achieve here,” he admitted.

“But I am now looking forward to the Hungarian Grand Prix, where I will try my hardest to fight for a podium finish.”

McLaren boss Ron Dennis reiterated his faith in Kovalainen to start scoring stronger finishes soon and praised the Finn’s move on Kubica on the exit to the complex section of the lap.

Dennis said:

“As I’ve said before, Heikki’s time will come.“

“In difficult circumstances he raced tremendously well today – his overtaking manoeuvre on Robert Kubica was just sensational – and once again he showed a winner’s grit and determination.

“It’s a joy to have two drivers who are not only super-competitive but also super-cooperative.”

Neal’s View: Kovy hasn’t performed as strongly as he would have liked. The silly season has started and Rosberg is being linked with his seat. If McLaren are to finish in the top two of the Constructors’ Championship they cannot rely on Lewis alone.