Heikki Kovalainen has replaced Fernando Alonso on McLaren's team for the next Formula One season. After a bitter 2007 season for Mclaren, in which they lost all their Constructors' points, and were also fined a heavy sum of US $100 million, McLaren hopes for a peaceful and productive 2008.
Kovalainen said,“I haven’t been involved in that case . . . but for me, and for McLaren as well, the intention is to make everything clear as soon as possible. We want to leave everything behind, make sure everyone is happy about the situation and move on.” He has also made it clear that he will not play second fiddle to teammate Lewis Hamilton. He said, “I want to be in a competitive car to be able to fight for victories and the championship, wherever that is,” Kovalainen said. “It does not matter as long as it is competitive and I have equal status with my teammate. I am not willing to support anyone from the beginning of the season, everyone knows this.
