Heikki Kovalainen insists it is "no surprise" Caterham has struggled so far in 2013. The Finn, who has been a leading race driver at the team since its Team Lotus inception in 2010, was dropped for 2013 in favour of pay-drivers Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde.
31-year-old Kovalainen, however, is now back in a reserve and testing role. He drove in Friday practice recently in Bahrain, and on Friday in Barcelona he will drive again, at the wheel of Frenchman Pic's car.
He said he hopes an upgrade package for the Spanish grand prix puts Caterham back ahead of usual rival Marussia. "The car itself is basically the same as last year's," Kovalainen is quoted by Turun Sanomat newspaper. "The monocoque is the same, only the aerodynamics were modified. So it's no surprise the team has not gone so well, when you're putting an old car against the new ones."
Kovalainen confirmed that Caterham's approach to this year has been deliberate. "The team is trying to stay - with the least possible effort - in the top ten this year and put more effort into next year," he said. "The new car is being developed already. When the rules change so much, it's important for us to get started with the new car as quickly as possible."
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Not a surprise Caterham struggling in 2013 - Kovalainen
- Published on 10 May 2013 11:41
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- By: Rob Veenstra
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Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
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Spain
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Bahrain
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Bahrain
Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
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Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
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Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
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Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia
Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
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Jeddah Street Circuit
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Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
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Gilles Villeneuve
5 - Jun 7
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Monte Carlo
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Circuit de Catalunya
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- Team name Lotus F1
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- Romain Grosjean 10
- Pastor Maldonado 13
- Pastor Maldonado 13
- Kevin Magnussen 20
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- Jolyon Palmer 30
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- Carlos Sainz jr 55
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