Kovalainen could leave Caterham, opening door for Rossi

Heikki Kovalainen – As we rumored previously, neither Caterham driver has a signed contract for next year, which could open the door for American Alexander Rossi.

Heikki Kovalainen has refused to rule out leaving Caterham at the end of the season if a seat in a quicker car becomes available.

The Finn has previous experience of a front-running car, having driven for Renault in 2007 when Fernando Alonso moved to McLaren before replacing the Spaniard once again at McLaren the following season.

He secured his only F1 victory to date in 2008 at the Hungarian Grand Prix with the Woking-based team, but was replaced by Jenson Button ahead of the 2010 season and joined the newly formed Lotus Racing team (now Caterham).

His performances for the F1 new boys have won Kovalainen many admirers with some now tipping him for a move back to a leading contender.

Ahead of the recent European Grand Prix, Sky Sports F1 HD's Martin Brundle commented: "Heikki has just keep his head down and delivered, he looks a superstar, and he drives like one. I think Heikki has staked a claim for another chance in a top team."

The 30-year-old agrees that he is performing well, but expects other drivers to make the first move in what could be an interesting merry-go-round ahead of the 2013 campaign.

"I haven't spoken to any of the teams yet, not even to my team yet," Kovalainen told Sky Sports.

"All I know is my contract is finishing this year with my current team, but at the moment I am just worrying about getting the most out of what I have got.

"Whatever happens, I think that will put me in the best position either with the current team or with some other team, but we aren't at that stage yet with myself or my management.

"We haven't looked at it seriously, I think it is a bit too early and there are a few guys ahead of me in the queue, things like what Lewis (Hamilton) will do or what Michael (Schumacher) will do, will probably have an impact on what everyone is doing.

"We haven't talked to anyone yet, no one has talked to us yet and at the moment I am just focusing on my performances.

"Regardless though I think my performances have been good, I think I have found my swing again in the Formula 1 paddock and that is good for the future.

"Teams expect drivers to deliver and I feel that is what I am doing now. Let's see what the future will bring, regardless though it will be good." Sky Sports