Lotus Signs Heikki Kovalainen for Final 2 Races

The LotusLotusUnited Kingdom, 1952 > present68 models
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F1 team has signed Heikki Kovalainen to take Kimi Raikkonen’s seat for the United States and Brazilian Grands Prix.

“We are obviously involved in a tight Constructors’ Championship battle, so it was decided that the experience Heikki could bring to the team would be invaluable as we aim to finish the year in the best position possible,” said Lotus team principal Eric Boullier.

For the 2013 season, Kovalainen has been a test driver for the CaterhamCaterhamUnited Kingdom, 1973 > present9 models
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F1 Team.

“Jumping into a car so late in the year when you have not been competing in the races all season will be a challenge, but I know the team at Enstone well so I have no concerns about getting up to speed. I would like to thank Tony Fernandes and Caterham F1 Team for allowing me to take advantage of it,” said Kovalainen.

There is no indication that Kovalainen will take Raikkonen’s seat for the 2014 season. Nico Hulkenberg is rumored to replace Raikkonen at Lotus in 2014, but because he currently races for SauberSauberSwitzerland, 1970 > present21 models
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, he could not switch teams during the season.

Kovalainen has started in 109 grands prix over six seasons in F1 and even raced for Lotus in 2010 and 2011.

Raikkonen backed out of the final two races of the season and gave the need for back surgery as the official reason.