Kovalainen Renault's new test driver

Flavio Briatore has confirmed rising Finnish star Heikki Kovalainen will be Renault's test driver next season. Kovalainen is a product of Renault's driver development programme and, after a glittering career in junior racing, is considered a star of the future.

Renault boss Briatore is believed to be grooming the 24-year-old for a race seat in 2007.
Flavio Briatore "Kovalainen will be our test driver and do the same development programme followed by Fernando Alonso."

Kovalainen had been linked to BMW-Sauber, amid continuing suggestions they are not keen to honour their contract with Jacques Villeneuve.
But Briatore said: "In 2007 I am sure he will be on the Formula One grid but I don't yet know whether it will be with Renault or another team. We'll see."

Kovalainen takes over from Franck Montagny as Renault's tester after the Frenchman was released.