Mercedes boss hails Heikki

Haug tips Finn to be a star in the making

Last updated: 16th July 2008

Heikki Kovalainen McLaren Jun 08

Kovalainen: Rising star

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Mercedes-Benz Motorsport boss Norbert Haug believes Heikki Kovalainen will be one of Formula One's future stars.

While his team-mate Lewis Hamilton is the joint leader in the World Championship, Kovalainen is all but out of the title race.

The Finn is currently sixth in the standings and has only one podium finish (Malaysia) to his name. However, he has impressed during qualifying and has twice been on the front row of the grid, including pole position at Silverstone.

Haug stresses that Kovalainen's talents are very obvious and he has the speed to make it in F1.

"I don't Heikki is an underestimated driver. Heikki is a star in the making," he told Auto Motor und Sport.

"He has already showed on several occasions that he has the speed. Ultimately, only speed plays a role.

"One of his highlights was his pole position at Silverstone."