The relationship between Heikki Kovalainen and Lewis Hamilton is blossoming as the new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes line-up begins its assault on the Driver’s Championship.

Having joined the team in the close season, Kovalainen achieved his first podium finish in Malaysia and his relationship with the British driver has been closely watched.

Team boss Ron Dennis was delighted with the competition developing between Hamilton and Kovalainen and expects the Finnish driver to push the young Brit throughout the season.

"Lewis knows it and they are happy and joking about it. I hope as and when it becomes competitive between the drivers that the harmony keeps on," he told the Daily Telegraph.

Martin Whitmarsh, chief executive officer of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, was also delighted with the growing friendship between the two men.

"Lewis and Heikki get along fantastically well," he said, "in my 19 years with the team I don’t ever recall seeing such an honest exchange of information between drivers".

"He’s a very enthusiastic and open individual and the team spirit is great," Mr Whitmarsh said of Kovalainen.

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