Heikki Kovalainen becomes a reserve at Caterham

It's a return through the back door. Heikki Kovalainen will take part this Friday in the first free practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix with Caterham, the team for which he started from 2010 to the end of 2012. Sidelined before the start of the season after commitment of Charles Pic and Giedo Van de Garde, the Finn attended the first three races of the season away from the circuits. It is as a reserve pilot that he returns, a role already occupied by Alexander Red. The American, who was to make his debut in F1 in Bahrain, will ultimately be lined up in the GP2 Series in Ma Quing Hua’s car, the Chinese who made his debut in Shanghai.

“It's good news that I'm back on track in Bahrain and Spain, and I'm looking forward to getting back to work and helping the team as much as I can,” said Heikki Kovalainen. “By taking part in the first free practices in these two events, I will give my feedback on the new parts we are bringing to these races, and I will work closely with the regular drivers and engineers and return to Leafield (where is the team based, Editor’s note) to help everyone get the most out of the new package”, explains the Finn. “Tony Fernandes, Cyril Abiteboul and I have been discussing my new mission for a while so it's good to finally be able to announce how I'm going to help the team in 2013. Physically I'm ready to get back in the car and I know that my experience can give the team new ideas, options and directions to improve settings and strategies. I can't wait to get back to work! ".