Kovalainen – I will be in F1 next year

(GMM) Heikki Kovalainen has announced that he will still be a formula one driver in 2008.

Following his maiden podium in the rain-drenched Japanese grand prix last Sunday, the Finn wrote in his column for the BBC that he hopes to have his contract extended with Renault.

"I will stay in formula one next year and I hope that will be with Renault but the team is yet to make a decision," 25-year-old Kovalainen said.

He admits that his Renault bosses, along with "everyone" in pitlane, is presently waiting to see if Fernando Alonso stays at McLaren or looks for an alternate cockpit for 2008.

"If any team could get him I am sure they would take him," Kovalainen wrote.

He also played down the impact that his second place behind Lewis Hamilton at Fuji Speedway will have on his future.

"Finishing second was a very important result to have but I do not think my future was dependent on this result," he said.

"It has been looking good for me since the last six or seven races and I have not been too worried.

"We had problems at the beginning of the season but I have managed to show people what I can do.

"In any case, I feel I am in a strong position. I have improved throughout the year and I have a good future in F1.

"I hope to be in a competitive team next season and hopefully I can fight more regularly for these kind of positions."