Fisichella not underestimating Kovalainen
Giancarlo Fisichella says he is not underestimating teammate Heikki Kovalainen despite the Finn making his Grand Prix debut this season
Kovalainen, runner-up to Williams driver Nico Rosberg in the inaugural GP2 series in 2005, will replace two-time world champion Fernando Alonso at Renault, partnering Fisichella.
The young Finn will return to racing this season after having spent 2006 as the French squad's test driver.
But despite his lack of experience, Fisichella says Kovalainen is ready for Formula One.
"He is a rookie, but he isn't unprepared," Fisichella told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He has good experience in single seaters and he helped with the birth of this Renault R27 since the first tests. He's driven it more than me.
"I don't underestimate him. He is a focused, prepared, and quick rival."
Fisichella reckons, however, that he will benefit from new Bridgestone tyres, which he believes will suit his driving style better.
"We all have the same tyres. Up until last season a track could favour Michelin, while another Bridgestone. The difference will be in the traction, the aerodynamics and the strategy. I think my driving style will give me an advantage."
Share Or Save This Story
Alex Zanardi open to Daytona 24 Hours or Indianapolis 500 bid
Giacomo Agostini says Rossi and Lorenzo will renew hostilities
Working Men: Interview with Ferrari's Test Drivers
On this day: Raikkonen’s Suzuka masterclass
Ranking the top 10 Benetton F1 drivers
Friday favourite: Renault's original F1 title-winner that began the Alonso era
Russell scrambling for answers after "not being quick enough" at US GP
A strategic masterclass: How Antonelli put himself on the cusp of F1 title at the US GP
The maths behind Antonelli becoming F1 world champion at Mexico GP
F1 United States GP: Antonelli dominates from pole - but forced to wait for title
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments