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[darwin dali]

F1Live: McLaren driver Heikki Kovalainen has taken issue with team boss Ron Dennis' recent claim that he was "taken apart" by the Renault team as he tackled his rookie season in 2007.

Dennis said last month that his Mercedes-powered outfit can take the credit for rebuilding the 26-year-old Finn.

"Heikki is a guy who was systematically taken apart last year and we have systematically put him back together again," Dennis, whose relationship with Renault boss Flavio Briatore is famed for its acrimony, said at Sepang.

But Kovalainen said in Bahrain that he thought Dennis had exaggerated.

"I felt I did some very good races last year and unfortunately some people just don't see that," Kovalainen said.
"I never had any doubts about myself. I don't think I was broken or destroyed at any point. I had all the support at Renault, and I feel the same here."

Dennis meanwhile confirmed that Hamilton's practice crash this afternoon was down to driver error.

[al4x]

this is why i like heikki

hope he beats hamilton this year, id love to see how RDs face would look
then

well hed save the cost of the car for lewis at least

[chs]

In 2008 McLaren are adopting the strategy to have 1st and 2nd driven, 1st been Hamilton, a strategy that RD did not approve claiming that in McL both drivers have equal opportunities a strategy that caused them last year driver's championship. If they follow this strategy Hamilton will have a greater chance to fight for the title.

This strategy was followed by Ferrari for many years, and it is because of this strategy that M.Sch. was so successful, Ferrari knows the game, knows how to win. A brilliant strategy that identifies successful-competitive thinking.

The only reason hat Hamilton or Alonso were not champions in 2007 was because McL had the philosophy of equal drivers, ethical but not successful. Strategies and car performance is what makes successful champions in F1. That is why Ferrari was and will always be on top.

[darwin dali]

In 2008 McLaren are adopting the strategy to have 1st and 2nd driven, 1st been Hamilton, a strategy that RD did not approve claiming that in McL both drivers have equal opportunities a strategy that caused them last year driver's championship. If they follow this strategy Hamilton will have a greater chance to fight for the title.

This strategy was followed by Ferrari for many years, and it is because of this strategy that M.Sch. was so successful, Ferrari knows the game, knows how to win. A brilliant strategy that identifies successful-competitive thinking.

The only reason hat Hamilton or Alonso were not champions in 2007 was because McL had the philosophy of equal drivers, ethical but not successful. Strategies and car performance is what makes successful champions in F1. That is why Ferrari was and will always be on top.

Okayyy? Your point being? Kinda off topic here...

[Lem]

Just a bad choice of words from RD in my opinion. He obviously didn't mean it to that extent or else he wouldn't have taken Heikki on!

[darwin dali]

Just a bad choice of words from RD!

For the umpteenth time?!? Hence the topic title!!

[ArtHowe]

Dennis would not have hired Heikki if he didn't see his class as a driver so I don't understand this outburst of patent rhubarb from Ron... perhaps it IS time for him to hang up his gloves

[Lem]

Just a bad choice of words from RD!

For the umpteenth time?!? Hence the topic title!!

Yeah but there's too many people who are thoroughly media trained in sport and made to act like robots. I'd rather not crucify someone for voicing an opinion when most of the people in F1 hardly say a word...

[ArtHowe]

Having thought about it a bit more, obviously Ron was having a dig at Briatore rather than Heikki. To do so at Heikki's expense is still not excusable and Ron should make a public apology to him. Full points to Heikki for defending his corner.

[racechick]

Heiki's cool and will speak his owm mind.Now perhaps people will listen and accept his word when he says he is getting equal treatment at McLaren.

[bud]

Ron was just having a dig at ole Flavio there, after Flavio's numerous remarks about Ron and Fernando.

[darwin dali]

Ron was just having a dig at ole Flavio there, after Flavio's numerous remarks about Ron and Fernando.

Yeah, at HK's costs - lowlife!

[bud]

Ron was just having a dig at ole Flavio there, after Flavio's numerous remarks about Ron and Fernando.

Yeah, at HK's costs - lowlife!

then again did you ever think thats the way Ron saw things at Renault? whether he is right or wrong is another matter.

[al4x]

i would prefer he said it to be honest, the same way i kinda like the way alonso doesnt hold back,

[McLaren Fan]

I think this is another set of clumsy comments from Ron Dennis, regardless of whether he was having a dig at Briatore or Kovalainen. That's twice in the space of a week. Dennis needs to watch what he is saying.