Kovalainen is reunited this weekend with his former McLaren engineer, Mark Slade. Asked by this writer how much that helped he said: “I think it’s a significant factor. It was relatively easy to start working with him because I know him from McLaren days, and I know how he works. He knows what I need as well, I think if I get lost he can actually make suggestions just by looking at the telemetry, so it’s really helpful. I’m really enjoying working with Mark. I had a good time at McLaren with him. That side is really good, it’s given a smooth landing.”