A Renault Driver Development programme member since 2002, Heikki Kovalainen made his race debut at the pinnacle of motorsport in 2007. After completing more than 25,000 km of testing in 2006, and having learned his craft alongside Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella, Heikki was ready to take the final step.

Heikki's F1 career began in 2006 when he made his debut as a test driver. His appointment to the Lotus F1 Racing team saw the Finn start his fourth season in the Formula 1 World Championship. He brought with him a race winning reputation, confirmed by his first victory in Hungary in 2008, and a wealth of experience that will make a potent combination with fellow race driver Jarno Trulli and Fairuz Fauzy.