Kovalainen slapped with gearbox penalty

HEIKKI KOVALAINEN

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Saturday 31st October 2009

Heikki Kovalainen has been hit with a five-grid slot gearbox penalty after running into problems during Saturday's Abu Dhabi qualifying.

The McLaren driver, who is fighting to retain his race-seat for next year's Championship or secure a deal with a new team, impressed during the weekend's practice sessions.

However, a gearbox problem in Q2 meant he was only able to complete one flying lap before his MP4-24 came to a halt on the side of the track.

As such he qualified P13 for the season-ending grand prix but will now drop five places.

"What a disappointing outcome to my qualifying," said Kovalainen.

"I got stuck in second gear during Q2 and that was it. I already had minor problems with the gearbox yesterday when it jumped out of gear, so it's frustrating when you have a car you can easily take into Q3.

"But I'm looking at the positives: the balance of my car has been good throughout the entire weekend, and it's been great to drive on this fantastic circuit.

"You can absolutely guarantee I'll be giving it my all in the race tomorrow and I'll be fighting from the first lap to the very last."

Your Comments

BuggyRider

"However much some of you want to moan about McLaren I strongly doubt Heikki wants to leave them. I doubt he'll get as competative a car elsewhere."

raza

"the other side of the garage...there are better teams for you Kovi."

diffuser1

"This just proves that McCheater have Kovi driving a "junker" whie Lewis gets all the updates and best stuff. Do you guys who comment on here really think Kovi has an equal car? And then they have consistently put him on fuel strategies so he cannot compete on even terms. I feel very sad for Kovi. Very good driver - never had a chance the way they stack the deck to make sure Hammy looks good at the expense of the other. Alonso was good enough to keep on a par notwithstanding. Kimi will be as well of he goes back to McLaren."