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Heikki happy to stay on at McLaren

Thursday 31st July 2008

Heikki Kovalainen has revealed he would love to finish his Formula One career with McLaren.

The Woking-based team have confirmed Kovalainen will again partner Lewis Hamilton in 2009 as they look to build on the stability they have created this season.

The move comes as no surprise as Hamilton and Kovalainen have also developed a close friendship since the Finn joined McLaren following his release from Renault at the end of last year.

However, the 26-year-old has endured his fair share of troubles this season, and after 10 races he trails Hamilton by 30 points in the drivers' standings, with his title chances virtually over.

But although Kovalainen has only managed to stand on the podium once this year, McLaren have now made it clear they are determined to stand by him and help him progress.

If that can be achieved and Kovalainen starts to gain the results his talent deserve, he is hoping his partnership with McLaren lasts way beyond next year.

"I am very, very happy with this team," said Kovalainen.

"I have no second thoughts about being with them. There is great potential, and I want to be part of it.

"I want to become a successful driver with them, and hopefully we can announce at some point in the future that I will stay for many years to come.

"I'd be happy to finish my career with this team, to be honest."

Appreciably, Hamilton is delighted Kovalainen is staying on board as he said: "It's great news.

"The atmosphere in the team is fantastic, and a lot of that is due to Heikki being there and how we have worked together.

"So I welcome it, and I really hope he stays for longer."

Related Links
McLaren confirm Heikki for 2009

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