Kovalainen wins Finnish award

Kovalainen was the clear champion in this season's World Series. His campaign with Pons Racing yielded six wins in the one-make single-seater series, which was one more than his nearest rival Tiago Monteiro. Though the field included highly-rated Monteiro and Formula 1 veteran Enrique Bernoldi, Kovalainen still sealed the championship with a round to go.

An embarrassing error in the final race cost him victory when he was penalised for crossing the white line exiting the Jerez pits, but his season-long coolness under pressure far outweighed that mistake.

While Kovalainen's own favourite result was a strategic win in Barcelona's pitstop race, his technical abilities, media skills and ability to motivate his team have also made him a deserving overall champion.

Finland has no shortage of talent, but Kovalainen's dominant display was considered the best showing among his countrymen this year. He joins a rather illustrious list of former winners, including Kimi Raikkonen and world champions Keke Rosberg and Mika Hakkinen.

"I am honoured and pleased to receive the award at this stage of my career," said Kovalainen. "The best-known Finnish drivers have all won it, so I am thrilled to join a group that includes former world champions. It goes to show I had a very good season - and that people were paying attention as well!"

As a Renault Development Driver Kovalainen has gained limited F1 test mileage with the Renault team this season. The French car giant has already confirmed that it will continue to support Kovalainen next season, though it has not decided what he will do. A full-time Renault test drive or a campaign in the new GP2 category are the most likely options.