McLaren impressed by Kovalainen

Speaking at a team event on St. Kilda beach, Dennis explained how impressed he had been by the Finn's winter preparation and how quickly he had adapted to McLaren's way of working.

"Heikki had a difficult season last year and we needed to feel that he could put it behind him both mentally and physically and what he has done in the last few months, and I stress what he has done with the help of the team, is just remarkable," said Dennis.

"His confidence is there, his mental condition is right, his physical condition is getting better by the day, and now he faces the first real challenge - which is the race here."

Kovalainen came in for harsh criticism from former team boss Flavio Briatore after producing a disappointing Formula One debut with Renault at Melbourne 12 months ago.

And Dennis emphasised that he is keen to protect and nurture Kovalainen's potential.

"Our job will be to keep the pressure off, not to put it on," he said.

"He is going to be very determined, and we won't be making any hasty judgements. We've seen what he can do in testing, and let's just say he is going to keep Lewis [Hamilton] very honest.

"We are very pleased with Heikki's performance, he has been working very hard both mentally, physically, adapting to the team, realising we have a different way."

Dennis added that the strong bond formed between Kovalainen and Hamilton over the winter was an added plus for McLaren.

"A big bonus is how well they get on together," he said. "It will be interesting to see if their friendship is as strong when they start beating each other as it is now, but they have good personalities and they fit well into the relationship with [test drivers] Pedro [de la Rosa] and Gary [Paffett]. Our drivers are quite a good bunch of guys this year."