Kovalainen put to test by Renault

Flavio Briatore has confirmed rising Finnish star Heikki Kovalainen will be Renault’s test driver next season, scotching rumours he could race for BMW-Sauber.

Kovalainen is a product of Renault’s driver development programme and after a glittering career in junior racing, he is considered a star of the future.

Renault boss Briatore is keen to keep hold of the 24-year-old next year before placing him in a race seat in 2007.

Briatore told Italian magazine Auto Sprint: “Kovalainen will be our test driver and he will do the same development programme followed by Fernndo Alonso.

“In 2007 I am sure he will be on the Formula One grid but I don’t yet know whether it will be with Renault or another team. We’ll see.”

Kovalainen had been linked to BMW-Sauber, amid continuing suggestions they are not keen to honour their contract with Jacques Villeneuve.

Kovalainen takes over from Franck Montagny as Renault’s tester after the Frenchman was released.