PlanetF1

Kovalainen slapped with gearbox penalty

Saturday 31-October-2009 16:03

Heikki Kovalainen has been hit with a five-grid slot gearbox penalty after running into problems during Saturday's Abu Dhabi qualifying.

The McLaren driver, who is fighting to retain his race-seat for next year's Championship or secure a deal with a new team, impressed during the weekend's practice sessions.

However, a gearbox problem in Q2 meant he was only able to complete one flying lap before his MP4-24 came to a halt on the side of the track.

As such he qualified P13 for the season-ending grand prix but will now drop five places.

"What a disappointing outcome to my qualifying," said Kovalainen.

"I got stuck in second gear during Q2 and that was it. I already had minor problems with the gearbox yesterday when it jumped out of gear, so it's frustrating when you have a car you can easily take into Q3.

"But I'm looking at the positives: the balance of my car has been good throughout the entire weekend, and it's been great to drive on this fantastic circuit.

"You can absolutely guarantee I'll be giving it my all in the race tomorrow and I'll be fighting from the first lap to the very last."