Kovalainen: I will be stronger in 2009

Despite often being out-paced by his world championship-leading teammate Lewis Hamilton this season, the Finn says he has drawn many positives from a campaign that saw him notch up his first victory and pole position in Formula One.

"I feel comfortable in this team," said Kovalainen. "I have nothing to be negative about or ashamed of.

"I have taken my first pole position, I have won a race and there are many positive things about this year. Over the winter we will have a look at things and try to improve for next year."

Kovalainen said that driving for McLaren had helped him to improve in several areas and hoped that this would allow him to start on a more level footing alongside Hamilton next season.

"I'm certainly fitter than last year, I feel a lot more comfortable mentally and physically in the car and with the team as well," said the 27-year-old. "I'm very relaxed here and then about the driving technique itself I think I've learned to drive this car better, improving the braking technique...everything.

"I don't think there's a particular area I need to focus on over the winter, just keep doing the same work we have done so far and improve every area little by little."

Kovalainen has already set targets for himself in 2009 and pinpointed qualifying higher on the grid as a key factor.

"I'd like to start the races higher up on the grid because it makes a big difference in terms of the result at the end of the race on Sunday instead of starting from fourth, fifth, six, starting from the front row," he said. "And with a bit less fuel I have a better chance of starting the race higher up.

"This year is my first year with a top team and next year we need to take a step forward. It is something we can talk about in the winter. Somebody told me that there were some quotes saying I was unhappy in the team, but I don't underline that at all.

"I have no reason to be unhappy, I am in the best car so the potential is there to fight for the victory."