Kovalainen aims for strong start in Oz

The Finn left his former Renault team baffled about what went wrong when he struggled to a 10th place finish in Australia last year, having run off the track several times.

However, having settled in better than he expected at McLaren, Kovalainen feels in far better shape than he did as a rookie this time last year.

And being more prepared for the challenges of the season, Kovalainen thinks a good start to the campaign will be crucial if he is to achieve the success he thinks is possible.

"I need to take my first pole position and actually win my first race before I can ever start of dreaming of becoming world champion," said Kovalainen in an interview with this week's Autosport magazine.

"And they are still big steps: I know I have to begin the season better than I did last year if I am to get off to a good start.

"I don't think I was physically and mentally ready last year. I hadn't prepared well enough. But I've already changed things to make sure it doesn't happen again.

"I'll be turning up in Melbourne in a car I feel fully comfortable in and know exactly how to set up. The increased confidence should enable me to have a good race."