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Kovalainen playing waiting game

Kovalainen playing waiting game

25/07/2008 9:01 AM

Heikki Kovalainen is adamant he is not becoming stressed at his failure to win a Formula One grand prix.

Kovalainen has had his fair share of problems since switching to McLaren for this season following his release from Renault.

But the 26-year-old is now suddenly finding himself playing second fiddle to Lewis Hamilton due to his team-mate's blistering pace.

In the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim on Sunday, Kovalainen let eventual winner Hamilton pass, even though he was running fourth at the time.

It was Hamilton's fourth victory of the season, whilst Kovalainen is still waiting to stand on the top of the podium for the first time after 27 races.

"I just need to find my own way. It will happen sooner or later," said Kovalainen.

"The fact is I've already been in a position to win a few times, and there will be opportunities again."

"I just need to crack those opportunities when they come, take them better than I have done so far, to make sure I don't waste them."

Fellow Finn and two-time former champion Mika Hakkinen had to wait until his 96th race in his seventh season before savouring victory with McLaren.

Kovalainen feels there is a lesson to be learned, adding: "I've patience, and if I have to wait until my 96th race then I will wait."

"But I'm not stressing about it at the moment. I just need to keep my concentration, stay on the right track and it will eventually happen."

"I can wait, if that's the case."

Kovalainen at least knows he should be in a better position than at present as he currently lies sixth in the drivers' standings with 28 points, 30 behind Hamilton.

But although his own title chances are fading fast, he is refusing to throw in the towel.

"At this point of the season I was planning to have more points, but many things have happened, some technical issues, accidents," remarked Kovalainen.

"So the most important thing is to keep focused, to keep working, to drag ourselves into a position to win."

"I'm still pushing to the maximum to score more points than the others, and you never know. Anything can happen in Formula One."

"So there's no point giving up or feeling sorry for myself. I will keep fighting."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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