Kovalainen downplays maiden GP chances

The Finn, replacing world champion Fernando Alonso at the French outfit, will return to racing this season after spending a year as Renault's tester.

Kovalainen, who was labelled as a "top driver" by team boss Flavio Briatore, says his main goal for his first Formula One race will be scoring points, but the Finn admits everything is possible.

"If I was dreaming about it, I would have won it and been on pole every time," said Kovalainen of his maiden Grand Prix during the launch of the new R27 car. "In reality it is going to be a tough race.

"I feel quite confident and if we do the maximum before the season and we arrive there with a strong package then who knows what can happen.

"I think if everything goes well, in this world everything is possible. I am not thinking like that, I am not thinking of going to Melbourne and getting pole and winning, I just want to do clean laps, and do the maximum. I want to score points and finish the race first of all.

"We want to be regularly on the podium towards the end of the season, but who knows it could happen early."

The Finn reckons his experience in testing will not be a big help when he makes his debut in Australia, but he claims he is feeling well prepared for his first race.

"I covered a lots miles, in total about 25,000km, which is a lot. I know the car a lot and I know some of the test tracks very well but it won't help me much in Melbourne," Kovalainen added.

"I am well prepared and ready for the big challenge. Expectations are high, but so are my own. I want to do the maximum for myself and with the team."