Hamilton Teammate To Be Known In One Week

Tycoon · 12-14-2007, 03:22 AM

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The race to be declared Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren teammate for 2008 has whittled down to two candidates, Pedro de la Rosa said on Thursday. The British team’s Spanish test driver said in Madrid that he is one of the candidates, but declined to name the other, according to the news agency EFE.

“Right now the seat is between two and I suppose we will know soon who will be the second driver; less than one week,” de la Rosa said. It is widely believed that Heikki Kovalainen, who was left out of Renault’s race lineup for next year after debuting in 2007, is also in contention for the seat. McLaren chief executive Martin Whitmarsh recently mentioned Gary Paffett as another possible contender.

De la Rosa refused to rate his own chances of landing the job. “I do not know,” he insisted, “and I prefer to be cautious and not have illusions. There were many suitors and now not so many. I assume that everything will be known within a week. “Last year with Fernando Alonso coming I was aware that having two Spanish drivers would be difficult, but this time it is not the case.” (GMM)

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shonguiz · 12-14-2007, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Kovalainen closes in on McLaren drive

By Jonathan Noble Friday, December 14th 2007, 10:07 GMT

Heikki Kovalainen is closing in on the second seat at McLaren for next year, autosport.com has learned, in a move that could see him replace Fernando Alonso for a second year running.

The Finn was handed his debut in Formula One this year at Renault as replacement for Alonso, but lost out on that drive last week when the French car manufacturer opted for Nelson Piquet Jr. as the returning Spaniard's teammate.

And now, although he has lost his seat at Renault, he could yet again follow in Alonso's footsteps and take the two-time world champion's seat that he has left vacant following his split with McLaren.

After losing out on the Renault driver, Kovalainen recently said that he had two 'interesting' offers to remain in F1, which were believed to be McLaren and Toyota.

It now appears that McLaren are edging closer to settling on Kovalainen instead of promoting one of their test drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett.

Some sources have suggested that a deal between McLaren and Kovalainen is already in place, but this has not been confirmed.

The speculation about Kovalainen landing the McLaren drive increased on Friday morning, however, with McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh making is clear that the team were seriously considering him.

"I think Heikki looks like a very interesting driver," Whitmarsh told the Guardian newspaper.

Kovalainen's inclusion in the McLaren line-up will be a big blow to de la Rosa, who had emerged as a strong contender to be Hamilton's teammate in 2008.

The Spaniard told El Pais newspaper on Thursday that he expected a decision within a week.

"Right now two people are up for the seat, and I guess we will soon know who the second driver will be, in less than a week," he said.

"If they are taking their time is because they are thinking hard about it, although if it was up to me the decision would have been made already.

"I prefer to be cautious and don't get my hopes up. There were a lot of candidates initially and now there are not that many. I guess everything will be known in a week."

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Zonda · 12-14-2007, 07:56 AM

I doubt they'd choose Paffet over DLR, he's too inexperienced. Hoping big time for Kovalainen

Centurion · 12-14-2007, 08:09 AM

Paffet will not be promoted anytime soon.

Gene · 12-14-2007, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zonda

I doubt they'd choose Paffet over DLR, he's too inexperienced. Hoping big time for Kovalainen

My money is on DLR. McLaren have too much Spanish Sponsor money to loose not to put DLR in that seat. Kovalainen would be nice, but two rookies in the team doesn't seem like the wisest move.

Zonda · 12-14-2007, 08:17 AM

Both rookies have had a pretty good first season and there's still the veteran tester.

Gene · 12-14-2007, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zonda

Both rookies have had a pretty good first season and there's still the veteran tester.

I'm not discounting they might have two rookies, because they very well may. But it was widely rumoured that Hamilton copied setup information from Alonso. Whether this is true or not, we don't know, but experience counts for alot, particularly when setting up the car for a race. Its something only the driver can do based on their style of driving and experience.

But hey, I could very much be wrong.

Centurion · 12-14-2007, 10:19 AM

Hamilton has worked with Mclaren along time and probably knows some about setting up and developing a car, though he still has a way to go before he's a master at it.

I'm all for PDLR and Dennis would be stupid not to promote him. Not only will he be cheaper than Heikki but he will discourage the Spanish sponsors from pulling out. This is very important since Mclaren have said themselves that the 100 million fine and the FIA vs Mclaren investigations have left a big dent in their economy.

Pedro is also very loyal and more experienced than Hiekki. Pedro is a damn good drivers and no one know how much longer he's willing to hold out for a seat. If he never gets the chance he's leave and join Toyota.

coolraoul · 12-14-2007, 10:31 AM

My money on PDLR. Experience to develop and set up the car, and then Hamilton go for the winning. it will work like that.

Anyway, with a car whose key-elemnts development could be frozen, Ron Dennis could drive himself it won't make any difference...

shonguiz · 12-14-2007, 10:40 AM

Hehe, sorry guys but it's Heikki.

Quote:

Kovalainen confirmed at McLaren

Heikki Kovalainen has been confirmed as Lewis Hamilton's new teammate at McLaren for next year.

The Finn joins the Woking-based outfit on a long-term deal after an impressive debut season with Renault, and McLaren management are convinced that he and Hamilton will make a 'formidable' combination for 2008.

The team have also confirmed that Pedro de la Rosa will remain as third driver, with Gary Paffett staying on board as tester.

McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh said: "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.

"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."

Kovalainen found himself out of a job at Renault after the team opted for Nelson Piquet Jr. to be Fernando Alonso's new teammate. But he is delighted at his new opportunity, especially as it means he will follow in the footsteps of compatriots Mike Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen.

"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."

Kovalainen's new teammate Hamilton is equally looking forward to the arrival of the Finn, having endured a few tough moments with Alonso last year.

"As soon as the chequered flag went in Brazil I began to count down the days until Australia," said Hamilton. "I am really looking forward to 2008 and working with Heikki as my teammate.

"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 One 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."

Quote:

Q & A with Heikki Kovalainen

Conducted and provided by McLaren's press office.

Q. How does it feel to be a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver?

Heikki Kovalainen: It feels fantastic thank you. The team has always been popular in Finland because of both Mika and Kimi's involvement, so when I was growing up there was a massive awareness of McLaren Mercedes especially when Mika won the World Championship twice. I am so happy to be part of this team. There is a lot of work ahead of us, but I can't wait.

Q. When did you start talking to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes about a race drive?

HK: Once I had been informed by Renault about their driver plans my management and I began to explore a number of options in Formula One. Vodafone McLaren Mercedes was obviously an incredibly attractive opportunity and we began talking and here we are.....I am pleased it all worked out.

Q. You will be team mates with Lewis Hamilton - how well do you know Lewis?

HK: I don't know Lewis that well but we have spoken on a number of occasions during 2007. From what I have seen and heard he is a nice guy.

Q. Lewis has been with the team for many years and consequently has a strong relationship with the team and management - are you worried that this will affect you settling into the team?

HK: Not at all. It's up to me to build relationships with the team and the people around me, and I know everybody is excited about me joining, so I don't think that will be a problem at all. The one thing that has struck me so far is just how professional and dedicated the team is, and I know they will work so hard to give me the best opportunity. Also after the 2007 season I don't think there can be any doubt that the team is totally committed to equality amongst its drivers and I like that.

Q. When did you visit the McLaren Technology Centre for the first time and what is your initial impression?

HK: The first time I came to the McLaren Technology Centre I was just blown away. I have seen photographs and films from there but it doesn't prepare you for the wow effect when you actually arrive. You have that initial impact as you start to look around and then you begin to feel the atmosphere. I visited the McLaren Technology Centre for the first time only a few days ago.

Q. Vodafone McLaren Mercedes had a tough year off track in 2007 - does that kind of thing worry you as a driver and did that affect your decision in any way?

HK: I am employed to drive the car and am not a political animal at all. There was obviously a lot going on in 2007 but it's not for me to talk about. I just look forward to a competitive and fun future with the team.

Q. Obviously you former Renault team mate Fernando Alonso's and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes partnership didn't work out - does that worry you?

HK: Not in the slightest. It's not for me to judge what went wrong with Fernando and the team and I am really not interested. All I can say is how I feel about my opportunity and I am really excited and happy.

Q. Do you think you can win the World Championship in 2008?

HK: Any driver has to enter into a race and a World Championship believing he can win it so of course I do. However there is a long way to go and at the moment I am just looking forward to familiarising myself with the new car and the team

12-14-2007, 03:22 AM	#1
Tycoon Expert Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 12,811 Thanks: 3,263 Thanked 3,647 Times in 1,986 Posts	Hamilton Teammate To Be Known In One Week - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER The race to be declared Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren teammate for 2008 has whittled down to two candidates, Pedro de la Rosa said on Thursday. The British team’s Spanish test driver said in Madrid that he is one of the candidates, but declined to name the other, according to the news agency EFE. “Right now the seat is between two and I suppose we will know soon who will be the second driver; less than one week,” de la Rosa said. It is widely believed that Heikki Kovalainen, who was left out of Renault’s race lineup for next year after debuting in 2007, is also in contention for the seat. McLaren chief executive Martin Whitmarsh recently mentioned Gary Paffett as another possible contender. De la Rosa refused to rate his own chances of landing the job. “I do not know,” he insisted, “and I prefer to be cautious and not have illusions. There were many suitors and now not so many. I assume that everything will be known within a week. “Last year with Fernando Alonso coming I was aware that having two Spanish drivers would be difficult, but this time it is not the case.” (GMM) Source: - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

12-14-2007, 07:56 AM	#3
Zonda Aficionado Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: La Svezia! Posts: 4,707 Thanks: 831 Thanked 809 Times in 461 Posts	Re: Hamilton teammate to be known in one week I doubt they'd choose Paffet over DLR, he's too inexperienced. Hoping big time for Kovalainen

12-14-2007, 08:09 AM	#4
Centurion Jetsetter Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sweden Posts: 9,202 Thanks: 1,037 Thanked 1,507 Times in 805 Posts	Re: Hamilton teammate to be known in one week Paffet will not be promoted anytime soon.

12-14-2007, 08:17 AM	#6
Zonda Aficionado Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: La Svezia! Posts: 4,707 Thanks: 831 Thanked 809 Times in 461 Posts	Re: Hamilton teammate to be known in one week Both rookies have had a pretty good first season and there's still the veteran tester.

12-14-2007, 10:19 AM	#8
Centurion Jetsetter Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sweden Posts: 9,202 Thanks: 1,037 Thanked 1,507 Times in 805 Posts	Re: Hamilton teammate to be known in one week Hamilton has worked with Mclaren along time and probably knows some about setting up and developing a car, though he still has a way to go before he's a master at it. I'm all for PDLR and Dennis would be stupid not to promote him. Not only will he be cheaper than Heikki but he will discourage the Spanish sponsors from pulling out. This is very important since Mclaren have said themselves that the 100 million fine and the FIA vs Mclaren investigations have left a big dent in their economy. Pedro is also very loyal and more experienced than Hiekki. Pedro is a damn good drivers and no one know how much longer he's willing to hold out for a seat. If he never gets the chance he's leave and join Toyota.

12-14-2007, 10:31 AM	#9
coolraoul Advocate Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: France (but actually internship in Germany) Posts: 943 Thanks: 183 Thanked 371 Times in 206 Posts	Re: Hamilton teammate to be known in one week My money on PDLR. Experience to develop and set up the car, and then Hamilton go for the winning. it will work like that. Anyway, with a car whose key-elemnts development could be frozen, Ron Dennis could drive himself it won't make any difference...

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