31/07/2008 23:14. Heikki Kovalainen will remain alongside Lewis Hamilton at McLaren-Mercedes in 2009, it is confirmed, as the Woking-based concern reveals it has taken up its option on the Finn's contract for next year.

Former triple world champion Sir Jackie Stewart has claimed that the Woking-based outfit needs Kovalainen to start scoring bigger points if he is to not only help the squad towards the constructors' laurels, but also boost Hamilton's title bid [see separate story – click here ].

McLaren CEO Martin... // crash.net