Heikki Kovalainen could have new Caterham F1 role

Cyril Abiteboul

Caterham has left open the door for “a different project” with ousted number 1 race driver Heikki Kovalainen.

Team boss Cyril Abiteboul admitted that, while bringing in a pay-driver was another consideration, Finn Kovalainen’s relationship with Caterham soured after their three years together.

“I think at a certain point at the end of last season, maybe there was not the sort of trust and confidence and respect – on both sides – that you should be counting on for the development of the team and driver,” he told Britain’s Sky broadcaster.

“It’s like with your girlfriend or wife — sometimes when you disappoint too much, you know the relationship is just … broken,” added Abiteboul.

Nonetheless, Abiteboul said it is possible Kovalainen, 31, will continue to work with Caterham in another capacity.

“We continue to have discussions with Heikki to see if a different project could be possible,” he said.

“Let’s be honest: we’d be keen to keep experience in our lineup. That’s something we’d both be interested in under the right conditions.”

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