Heikki signs body parts - official

Cracking day at Hethel yesterday – and a second chance to chat with Heikki Kovalainen.

The first time was soon after Christmas, at Hingham, when Lotus Racing’s new factory was populated by a staff size most newsagents would deem a little tight.

This time, it was after his flight in from Geneva, a few hours behind some gorgeous Team Lotus classics and a barrage of questions from Group Lotus staff and other media – as well as taking some of us round the Lotus test track in an Evora; now that was an experience.

But after all that, Heikki sat down, polite as you can be and I got my five minutes-plus. The guy was a true gent.

Both Heikki and his team-mate, Jarno Trulli, are brilliant to interview. Honest, good talkers. Up front. One does dry, the other impassioned – no guesses which does which.

They are one of the reasons the return of Lotus to Formula One should be celebrated here – I’ve almost made it part of my job.

Having such names – and such a high profile outfit – working out of this county and driving onto one of the world’s biggest sporting stages every fortnight says it all.

Kovalainen’s remaining task was to sign a few articles – I hope for Hethel and family, rather than Ebay – including a car bonnet and various T-shirts.

The strangest thing he has ever signed? “Body parts,” he said.

I shied away from asking which.

posted on 26 May 2010 12:41 byMichael Bailey - Sportsdesk

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