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Kovalainen Happy with 2008 Season

One might argue that one of the main reasons why McLaren aren't in pole position for the constructors' title before the season finale is because of the team's lineup. While Ferrari's Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen have consistently put championship points on the scoreboard race after race, Kovalaionen failed to 'complete' his teammate throughout the 2008 season and lift McLaren on top of the standings.

However, the Fin believes this year was a good start for him with McLaren, especially since he scored his first pole position and maiden win inside the Great Circle with the British outfit. The fact that he failed to keep the pace with teammate Hamilton is a chapter that he promises to work on during the winter break and into the upcoming season.

“I have nothing to be negative about or ashamed of. I have taken my first pole position, I have won a race and there are many positive things about this year. Over the winter we will have a look at things and try to improve for next year. I'm very relaxed here and then about the driving technique itself I think I've learned to drive this car better, improving the braking technique... everything,” said Kovalainen.

Well, maybe not everything. Despite his pole-position performance this season, one of his main disadvantages this season consisted of poor qualifying performances on Saturday. With a better grid position on Sunday, Heikki believes he could improve his race-finish percentage in 2009.

“I'd like to start the races higher up on the grid because it makes a big difference in terms of the result at the end of the race on Sunday instead of starting from fourth, fifth, six, starting from the front row. And with a bit less fuel I have a better chance of starting the race higher up,” concluded the 27-year old Fin.

Kovalainen will try to bring home a constructors' title for McLaren in Brazil, while also helping his teammate finish as higher in the race as possible to secure a maiden F1 title. The British outfit is currently 9 points adrift in the standings, but a good result from Lewis-Kovalainen in Brazil might bring some changes in the constructor hierarchy.
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