Kovalainen to remain at McLaren

10:41pm Thursday 31st July 2008

Heikki Kovalainen is to remain with McLaren for a second season, it was announced on Thursday.

The Woking-based marque have confirmed Kovalainen will partner Lewis Hamilton in 2009 as they look for stability within the team.

McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh said: "We welcomed Heikki onboard at the start of the year. He is under contract to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and will race for us in the 2009 season."

After joining McLaren following his release from Renault, the 26-year-old has endured his fair share of troubles this season.

It means after 10 races, Kovalainen trails Hamilton by 30 points in the drivers' standings, with his title chances virtually over.

One podium to date has not helped his cause, but McLaren have now made it clear they are determined to stand by Kovalainen and help him progress.

Whitmarsh added: "He is a brilliant young racing driver.

"His pass of Robert Kubica at Hockenheim (at the German Grand Prix) reminded anybody who needed reminding that he has all the speed and skill to be battling at the front.

"But there's no magic in Formula One and we still need to work with Heikki to extract his full potential."