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Heikki Kovalainen set to move to Ferrari in 2013?

The Finn becomes the latest candidate to replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari

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13 September 2012 - 15:08
Heikki Kovalainen set to move to (...)

Rumors circulating in the Finnish press have indicated that current Caterham driver and former McLaren driver, Heikki Kovalainen, could be on his way to Maranello to team-mate Fernando Alonso for 2013. This comes after ongoing allegations that Ferrari are striving to find a replacement for the underperforming Felipe Massa.

For the last several seasons, Brazilian driver Felipe Massa has endured highly uncompetitive results in comparison to team-mate Fernando Alonso. Whereas the 2-time World Champion has already taken 9 victories with the Scuderia since his debut with the team in 2010, Massa has failed to win since 2008 and has even failed to finish on the podium since 2010. These results have sparked rumors within the paddock that Ferrari are searching for a viable replacement for the Brazilian driver, with many drivers including Adrian Sutil, Nico Hulkenberg, Paul di Resta, Mark Webber and even Jenson Button being thrown into the mix of potential candidates throughout the season.

However, according to Finnish broadcaster MTV3, Heikki Kovalainen has become the latest candidate to replace Felipe Massa. Rumors suggest that Kovalainen’s management have been invited to Maranello to discuss a possible drive for the Scuderia for the 2013 season, a move which would see the Finn leave Caterham after three years as their number one driver.

Heikki Kovalainen has also been linked to a drive with Lotus, after Finland’s MTV3 reported that the 30-year-old had been in contact with the Enstone-based outfit. Kovalainen last drove for Lotus (then known as Renault) during his debut season in 2007, before switching to McLaren to team-mate Lewis Hamilton in 2008. Regardless of whether Heikki Kovalainen moves to Ferrari next season, it’s undeniable that the Scuderia are eager to replace Felipe Massa who has failed to step onto the podium since the 2010 Korean Grand Prix.

Follow me on Twitter - @AndyYoungF1

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