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Kovalainen: Testing Performance down to Fuel Load

After setting the fastest time on the second day of testing in Valencia yesterday, Heikki Kovalainen has conceded that his car was running on low fuel loads. Times recorded during testing are not always a sign of true race pace – but the Finn’s performance, 0.6 seconds ahead of the Ferraris and over one second ahead of his team-mate, Lewis Hamilton, had a number of journalists talking.

When interviewed by the German publication Auto Motor und Sport yesterday, the twenty-six year said, “Of course you are always pleased to be in front, but tests do not mean so much, everyone is following their own programme. Yesterday I was fourth, but I am not that bad either.”

Speaking on his performance over the Ferraris, he explained, “I had less petrol in the tank. We wanted to get a feel for how the car is when it is light.”

Kovalainen refused to comment on suggestions that the McLaren may have an edge over the Ferrari in 2008, but said that he was more positive with McLaren.

“Personally, I have a good feeling. The car is fast, and now that I have a better seat, I feel comfortable behind the wheel.”

The F1 Test in Valencia is scheduled to conclude today.

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