Heikki Kovalainen is one of four drivers making his Formula One debut in 2007, and will do so with the reigning F1 champions Renault.

While the young Finn will begin the season as a relatively unknown figure, Flavio Briatore is apparently convinced that he will soon emerge as one of the sport's most recognisable names.

Like many on the F1 grid, Kovalainen began his motorsport career in the karting competitions back in 1991, where he remained until making his race-car debut in 2001 in the British Formula Renault championship series. He finished the season in fourth place, earning the Rookie of the Year title after claiming two victories, two pole positions and three fastest race laps.

In 2002, the Finn moved to the British F3 Championship and finished in third place with five victories, three poles and three fastest laps to his names. Once again, he also clinched the Rookie of the Year award.

A year later and he was off to the World Series by Nissan where he finished in an impressive second place. The following season, 2004, he claimed the title and was rewarded with his first F1 test.

In 2005, Kovalainen moved onto the GP2 series, the feeder series for F1. A good start to the year saw him take easy victories in the opening rounds with ease, but he eventually lost the championship to Nico Rosberg.

The Finn had nonetheless demonstrated sufficient skill to secure a test driver role with the Renault F1 team for the 2006 season and, after an impressive season acting as the team's official third and reserve driver, he was promoted to race driver for the 2007 campaign.

Very much thrown in at the deep end, Kovalainen faces a tough baptism of fire, partnering the experienced Giancarlo Fisichella and racing for a team that is determined to prove they can win world titles without Fernando Alonso.