Kovalainen focused on strong start

The Finn has joined the McLaren team from Renault, who last year endured a dismal season, with just one podium finish in 18 races.

Kovalainen had a shaky start to his maiden season in 2007, and the Finn admits he is eager to start strongly this time out.

"At the moment for me the focus is just on the first race and trying to start it better than last year," said Kovalainen in a team preview.

"Hopefully we can finish the race and have a good start to build on.

"Then later on in the year, trying to improve the performance all the time. To be honest, for me it is better not to think too much about anything but the first race."

He added: "I think I have prepared well and I hope I can have a better start to the season than last year. This is my target, but I am aware that I still need to learn many things, I am still in a learning process with the team and I know there are things I need to improve.

"But I believe I have a solid base and we are ready to get out there and start the season."

Kovalainen reckons it will be important to keep his cool and focus on his job rather on the attention he will get.

"I think the most important thing is to stay calm, keep your head cool and don't let anything disturb you," said Kovalainen. "There will be a lot of attention because it is a new team for me, but I will just keep focusing on the job with the engineers and mechanics."