Heikki will be a superstar - Stoddart

Paul Stoddart, the former Minardi team boss, has defended rookie Heikki Kovalainen. The Finnish ING Renault F1 Team driver made a bad debut last Sunday during the Australian Grand Prix as he only finished 10th after several off-track excursions.

Stoddart explained to the Finnish newspaper 'Turun Sanomat': "I'm not as disappointed as you might think. I see how everyone was pleased with Hamilton's drive and now they are making him a hero. But he was in a car that works well with these tyres and is very competitive. When I looked at how inconsistent Giancarlo's driving was, I was absolutely sure the R27 was unpredictable to drive."

"I wouldn't doubt Heikki's abilities. Where would they have gone so suddenly? The only problem for him is the car. Let's give Heikki some time. He will be a superstar, just like Hamilton. There is no need to be worried about him."

Unlike Stoddart, Renault boss Flavio Briatore was very disappointed in his new race driver: "Heikki's performance? I think everyone could see on TV and I don't need to protect anyone, it was rubbish. What else an I say? If I tell you it was good then I'm a complete idiot."