 Q & A with Heikki Kovalainen Monday December 6th, 2004
Q. Heikki, you were the youngest driver competing in the ROC and also the least experienced. How did you win? HK: I was able to adapt to the cars very quickly, which meant I found more grip than the others. Adaptability is definitely one of the keys to success. I also learned the circuit very quickly which helped. But to be honest, I still can't believe it: the other drivers are all very talented, with lots of experience! It's hard to believe I set lap records with every car. Q. Michael Schumacher said about you, "he has something special". How does that make you feel? HK: It's very nice! Michael is a unique driver, and it is a real compliment coming from him. I don't know if I have something special, but I know that with a good car and a good team behind me, I am capable of getting good results. I proved it this year in the World Series. To be perfectly honest, when I came up against Michael in the final, I thought I would lose - even if I knew I could make it close. When I was invited to the ROC, I was dreaming of coming up against him. so when I crossed the line in front, I was ecstatic! It was the first, and maybe only, opportunity for me to judge myself against him, so I took the chance and managed to win. I jumped on the roof afterwards to celebrate, and that seemed to go down well with the crowd! Beating Michael was exciting, but I think it was bigger achievement to beat Loeb: I didn't think I had a chance against the World Rally Champion, in a rally car. From my point of view, that was a very strong win. Q. You are the fastest driver on the planet. That's pretty impressive! HK: It's a nice way to round off the season! The fact that I was invited to take part in the Race of Champions has brought me to people's attention - the World Series by Nissan did not have much exposure, even though it was a championship at a high level with good racing. I think that having won the Race of Champions will help my popularity more than winning the World Series. But having said that, it won't change my future: the people at Renault have always made good decisions on my behalf. I have been in the Renault Driver Development programme for three years now and I trust them. I am pleased to win this race for them as well. Q. Can you tell us where you will be driving next year? HK: I will be in GP2, where I hope to get good results. It's definitely the best championship for me because it will be the final stepping stone to F1. I am very excited about next year! I know there is still a lot for me to learn, but I hope I will be with a good team that will give me a chance to win races and fight for the title.
Published at 14:04:24 GMT
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Conducted and provided by the Renault F1 team's press office.
(03-11-2005): 
