Kovalainen admits low fuel boost at Spanish test

(GMM) Heikki Kovalainen has revealed that his best time in Valencia testing on Wednesday was set by carrying a low fuel load.

The Finnish driver, at the wheel of a new McLaren MP4-23, set a fastest lap of the twisty eastern Spanish venue of 1.11.000 — nearly seven tenths quicker than the nearest Ferrari, and a full second clear of his teammate Lewis Hamilton.

To the German specialist magazine Auto Motor und Sport, however, the 26-year-old said he is not seeking any false glory.

"Of course you are always pleased to be in the front, but tests do not mean so much," Kovalainen, who is replacing Fernando Alonso at the British team in 2008, said.

"Everyone is following their own program. Yesterday I was fourth, but I am not that bad either."

Asked to explain the seven tenth gap to Ferrari's Felipe Massa on Wednesday, he admitted: "I had less petrol in the tank. We wanted to get a feel for how the car is when it is light."

Kovalainen also would not delve into the subject of which 2008 car seems quicker so far; the MP4-23, or its expected main rival this season, Ferrari's F2008.

"I dare not say," he insisted. "Personally, I have a good feeling. The car is fast, and now that I have a better seat, I feel comfortable behind the wheel."