Heikki Kovalainen
He's beaten Michael Schumacher.
Yeah, you read that right. The 25-year-old Finn triumphed in Paris, winning the 2004 Race Of Champions. All right, so Schumi might not have been used to a Ferrari 360 Modena instead of his customised thoroughbreds, but Heikki also beat World Rally Champion Sebastian Loeb in the finals.
Renault boss Flavio Briatore has an eye for winners, and backs this Alonso-replacement to the hilt. It isn't everyday that an absolute greenthumb gets to drive for the defending double champions, and going by the buzz from pre-season testing, he might best much-experienced teammate Giancarlo Fisichella.
Actually, this mega opportunity translates into mammoth responsibility. If Heikki isn't sensational in 2007, his career might end right there.
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