Kovalainen aims for F1 test

The Finn drives a Renault-powered Dallara for Fortec in the British Formula 3 championship and is part of the French manufacturer's driver development scheme. At Silverstone, Kovalainen, and team-mate Fabio Carbone, visited the Renault F1 garage, but he admitted that he needs to get a few more wins under his belt if he's to make the transition to the pinnacle of single-seater racing.

"That is Renault's decision, it is not up to us," he said when asked if he was going to get an F1 test. "I think that we have to try to get the results first, try to win a couple of races in F3, and try to show that we are worthy of giving a chance.

"But if we do well and score good results then I am sure that at some time...maybe not at the end of this year but it's a long-term contract...so at some point, hopefully, they will give us a chance."

The Renault Driver Development programme is designed to equip young drivers in the junior formulae for F1, with particular emphasis placed on physical preparation.