With Kovalainen, Caterham wants to “give a good car” to Charles Pic

This Friday, Heikki Kovalainen made his return behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car with Caterham, where he had driven for the last three seasons before being replaced by Giedo van der Garde, who brought a more substantial financial backing. Spotted in China in the Malaysian team’s garage, the Finnish driver took the wheel of the CT03 today to help the team progress after a tough season start: « We parted on good terms last year. He couldn’t stay for various reasons, but we’ve been planning a program with him from the start. We’ve worked together for three years, and it went well. He can still contribute a lot to the team, » explains Cyril Abiteboul, director of the Malaysian team, on Canal+.

Kovalainen, who will be back on track in Spain where significant developments are expected, has the main task of providing his perspective on the Pirelli tires: « We have a development program that is somewhat unique because we actually have a hybrid car between last year’s and this year’s model. There are many updates to come, and right now, this will be one of the last times the car runs in its original configuration, which is very close to that of last year. The only element that is fundamentally different compared to last year is the tires. Heikki will be able to give us his personal viewpoint on the tires to try to be a bit more competitive, particularly in qualifying laps where we have been somewhat lagging so far. »

However, the Frenchman insists that this is not a backpedal on the part of Caterham and that Heikki Kovalainen’s tests pose no threat to the team’s main drivers, particularly Giedo van der Garde: « It’s not easy for our drivers, especially since it’s true that we’re propelling rookie drivers into the arena. You know that in Formula 1 we test little, it’s as if there were no training in other sports. It’s a bit absurd but it’s the law of the sport. We reassure them, we explain to them that it’s a development job: which is the reality. There’s no plan behind it, no pitfalls or traps are being set. They themselves are asking for information, they are asking to understand and progress: it’s part of the implicit deal we have together. It does put some pressure, indeed, but let’s be honest, it’s still an ultra-competitive environment, they need to be able to live with this pressure. »

The stated objective is therefore to return as quickly as possible to Marussia’s level in order to give its drivers a car that allows them to fight with Marussia and perhaps even better: « We haven’t really accelerated our development schedule because in Formula 1 you have to know how to stick to the plan. We’ve brought forward what could be brought forward, but it’s still important to set a course and stick to it. We knew we’d suffer. We suffered, but despite that, Charles [Pic], in particular, did a remarkable job. Not necessarily noticed because, precisely, when you’re in the background, you’re not very visible on TV. The times speak for themselves, but we know he did a great job. We want to give him a better car as soon as possible. »