Heikki Kovalainen is a very good driver when it comes to Formula One and one of the nicer chaps around the paddock. Unfortunately last year he became a victim of “paid drivers.” Some teams have a financial shortfalls that has to be bridged in some shape or form, be it new sponsorship or someone wealthy enough to buy their way into Formula One. Heikki has been Caterham’s reserve driver this year, but he is soon to be back in the drivers seat with Lotus.
Taking over from Kimi Raikkonen, who is to miss the final two Grand Prix due to an operation on his back, Kovalainen will be driving the black and gold car for the races in America and Brazil. It is reported that Nico Hulkenberg turned down the opportunity, potentially due to contractual ties with his current team. Michael Schumacher was also approached by Lotus for a return to the sport after his second retirement but his manager said “Michael would still be fit enough but he has a new life.”
Clearly this is great news for Heikki that may even lead to a drive for the 2014 season.
