Heikki Kovalainen has returned to Caterham as the teams new reserve driver.
The 31-year-old Finn who has been with the team since their inception, lost his seat at the end of the 2012 season and was replaced by Charles Pic from Marussia and rookie Giedo van der Garde.
It was heavily reported that the decision was based on money, with both drivers able to bring in more financial resources to the team than Heikki, a decision that appeared to out-weight the on track advantages of a top driver like Kovalainen in their set-up.
Caterham have thus far struggled in 2012 and have seen themselves regularly out performed by Marussia at the back of the Formula One grid.
Kovalainen’s return will see the former McLaren driver return to the track during free practice sessions in Bahrain and Spain, using his experience to help develop the car as the team look to bring in performance updates for the car.
‘It’s obviously great news that I’ll be on track in Bahrain and Spain and I’m really looking forward to getting back to work and helping the team as much as I can,’ Kovalainen said to Sky Sports.
‘I’ll be taking part in the two FP1 sessions in Bahrain and Barcelona to give the team my input on the new parts we’re bringing to those races, and I’ll be working closely with the race drivers and the engineers on track and back at Leafield to help everyone get the most out of the new package.’
Caterham have reshuffled their reserve line-up, Ma Qing Hua who drove during free practice at his home track in China has now lost his seat with Caterham, which includes his GP2 seat which will now be taken by Alexander Rossi.
Kovalainen makes Caterham return
