http://sport.guardian.co.uk/motorsport/story/0,,2227426,00.html
The issue of who will eventually replace Fernando Alonso as Lewis Hamilton's team-mate next season was a less immediate priority yesterday. However, Whitmarsh strongly indicated that Heikki Kovalainen, the 25-year-old Finn who made his formula one debut for Renault last year, is emerging as the leading candidate. Kovalainen starred in the GP2 support category in 2005, when he finished second in the championship race behind Nico Rosberg, who last week signed a long-term contract with Williams, committing until the end of 2009. The high spot of Kovalainen's maiden formula one season was a brilliant second place behind Hamilton in the Japanese grand prix. "I think Heikki looks like a very interesting driver," said Whitmarsh , although he acknowledged that the McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa is pushing hard.
If Kovalainen is given the drive, he will follow in the footsteps of three world champion Finns who have driven for McLaren - Keke Rosberg, who won the title in 1982, Mika Hakkinen, who won in 1998 and 1999, and Kimi Raikkonen, who triumphed for Ferrari last season.