Renault technical director Pat Symonds has said he believes that rookie driver Heikki Kovalainen could win a race in 2007.

Could win a race, we'd be bloody amazed if he doesn't.

While all the attention is focussed on Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton, not to mention other media favourites such as Jenson Button, poor old Heikki has hardly registered a blip on the F1 media radar.

However, Heikki is the one to watch and barring the R27 being a complete dog - which is hardly likely is it? - the Finn is going to be up there from the outset.

We're not sure if Pat is pulling our leg, or simply hedging his bets, however, we'd be amazed if the Finn hasn't scored several wins by the end of the season.

He is intelligent, blindingly fast, keeps out of trouble and learns from mistakes. Indeed, if he's as good as we think he's going to be poor old Giancarlo should soon start sorting out a DTM or WTCC drive for 2008 as soon as possible.

Thankfully, we've talked Pitpass editor Chris Balfe out of making a wager similar to that made by Bob McKenzie - who famously said that he would run naked around Silverstone should McLaren win a race in 2004 - but he was up for it, such is his faith in the ability of young Heikki.