Heikki Kovalainen in contention for Caterham F1 drive in 2014
Heikki Kovalainen is in contention to make a Formula 1 comeback with Caterham next year
The Leafield-based team is evaluating its options for 2014, with neither of its current drivers Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde under contract beyond the end of this season.
Team owner Tony Fernandes has close ties with Kovalainen after the Finn's three-year spell at the outfit, and says that the Finn has the chance of a return.
"Absolutely," said Fernandes, when asked by AUTOSPORT if Kovalainen was being considered. "It is no secret that I am close to Heikki and I have a lot of time for him, so let's see.
"I will leave it to the team to decide who they want, and it has to be their choice finally at the end of the day.
"It would be foolish to commit now, because plenty can happen between now and the end of the season, so let's see what is available."
Fernandes said that he had been impressed, however, with the attitude of his current drivers in recent weeks, after admitting some worries about their form earlier this year.
"I have got to say the boys have picked up," he said. "They are doing a good job now.
"They don't have the experience of Heikki, but Giedo and Charles are putting through their paces.
"They look in our mind that they want to do well. They are pushing hard, working hard and I can't fault the effort, the spirit of their positivity.
"They are not bitching and moaning and say 'give me a faster car'. I have seen many experienced drivers when they don't do so well find fault in the car."
He added: "I won't hide the fact that I was concerned at the beginning of the season, I am less concerned now.
"And, with Heikki there giving them a bit of a push for a 2014 car, we have a nice mix now."
Previous article
Mercedes: we must beat Ferrari to second in F1 standings
Next article
Australian GP boss confident of new F1 contract
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Teams | Caterham F1 |
| Author | Jonathan Noble |
Starting Grid for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
F1 Fast Facts: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
How 2021's midfielders have taken lessons from F1's top teams
Formula 1’s latest Imola adventure turned into an expensive trip for many teams due to several crashes throughout the weekend. While balancing the books is an added factor in 2021 with the cost cap, a few midfield teams have cashed in early on development investments
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Driver Ratings
A frantic wet race at Imola produced plenty of excitement and drama as drivers scrabbled for grip. Amid the hatful of mistakes and incidents that ensued, who kept their noses cleanest?
How the Emilia Romagna GP result hinged on three crucial saves
Rain before the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix promised to spice up the action, and the race certainly delivered on that. Max Verstappen got the best launch to win from Lewis Hamilton, but both got away with mistakes that could have had serious consequences
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
The clues Hamilton’s F1 contract afterthought gives to his future
The Formula 1 world reacted with surprise when it learned Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited new Mercedes deal guarantees his presence on the grid only until the end of 2021. Both parties claimed publicly they were happy with the arrangement but, asks MARK GALLAGHER, is there more to it than that?
How a harshly ejected Red Bull star has been hooked by racing again
Driver-turned-DJ Jaime Alguersuari lost his love for motorsport when he was booted out of Formula 1 just as he was starting to polish his rough edges. Having drifted from category to category then turned his back on racing altogether in 2015, he’s come full circle and is planning a return in karts for fun
Why Mercedes isn't confident it's really ahead of Red Bull at Imola
While Mercedes struck back against Red Bull by topping the times at Imola on Friday ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the overall picture remains incredibly close. Despite having a possible edge this weekend, the reigning Formula 1 world champion squad is not taking anything for granted...
What Mercedes must do to keep its F1 title challenge on track
Mercedes may find itself leading the drivers' and constructors' standings after Lewis Hamilton's victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix, but it is well-aware that it came against the odds, with Red Bull clearly ahead on pace. Here's what the Brackley team must do to avoid its crown slipping
