Now, we know it won’t exactly set the world of Formula One on fire to learn that Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen are the best of friends going into the 2008 season. Or that the team believes Hamilton can handle the pressure of competing at the very top of the sport.
But, nevertheless, McLaren’s official teamcast, issued on the eve of the Australian Grand Prix, does make for interesting viewing for anyone interested in the prospects of these two drivers.
Just don’t expect any hot news on Ron’s retirement. Here’s how it’s flagged up on the McLaren site:
Flagfall in Melbourne on March 16th will be a decisive moment for Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton, his teammate Heikki Kovalainen and the rest of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team. The world will be watching to see if the potential of 2007 is realised in 2008.
Last year Lewis was the rookie who stunned the world of Formula 1 with four wins, 12 podiums and 109 points in his first season. But in the brand new Vodafone Teamcast, Lewis exclusively reveals he is no longer a rookie but an experienced Formula 1 driver who can handle the pressure that comes with the expectations he has raised.
Meanwhile, teammate Heikki Kovalainen insists that while they will be fierce rivals on the track, they are firm friends off it.
Now, as both drivers enter their second season, they pay tribute to the skill and experience of the pit lane team as a key factor in Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ drive to top the Constructors’ Championship table come the chequered flag at Brazil in November. Split second decisions on refuelling, changing tyres and tactics are those decisive moments on which Grands Prix and potentially entire seasons can rest. Trusting your team can be the difference between winning and losing.
Watch the exclusive Vodafone Teamcast to find out more about the two hottest names in Formula 1 and their goals for the coming season.