Heikki Kovalainen says he is learning from his mistakes after a disappointing debut season at McLaren.
McLaren driver determined to prove himself in 2009
Heikki Kovalainen says he is learning from his mistakes after a disappointing debut season at McLaren.
The Finn finished a miserable seventh in the drivers' championship, 45 points adrift of team-mate and world champion Lewis Hamilton.
His only win came in Hungary, courtesy of Felipe Massa's engine blowing three laps from home, but Ferrari still went on to claim the constructors' crown for the eighth time in 10 years.
Kovalainen admits the pressure got to him last year, but speaking at the unveiling of McLaren's new car - the MP4-24 - the 27-year-old insists he will prove his worth to the Woking-based team this season.
Difference
"One thing is for sure, my approach to this year is not to stress about everything as much as I did last year," said Kovalainen.
"I want to have more of a relaxed approach, still working flat out, but enjoying the year more. I think I put too much expectation on myself, and sometimes I was too hard on myself if I didn't get pole or didn't win a race.
"To finish seventh in the championship was something I was not planning to do. I wanted to be higher.
"Hopefully this year we can start and carry on throughout the season in a better shape, and certainly the preparation has gone really well.
"I also know how the team operates, so hopefully I can give better feedback to everyone in the factory, and give directions in how to develop the car to suit me even better.
"Hopefully that will then show in the results."
Kovalainen will get his first chance to show the improvements he has made when the new season gets underway in Melbourne on March 27.
