Kovalainen set to join Mercedes

(Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

Former Renault, McLaren, Caterham and Lotus F1 driver Heikki Kovalainen could be on the verge of a return to Formula One according to media reports in Finland. 

Finnish newspaper Ilta Sanomat reports that the 32 year old is set to sign for the Mercedes AMG F1 Team as their official test and reserve driver. Kovalainen last drove in Formula One last season when replaced Kimi Raikkonen at the Lotus F1 Team for the final two Grand Prix of the season in the USA and Brazil.

The 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix winner had hoped to be considered as Raikkonen's replacement at the Lotus F1 Team for this season following the Iceman's return to Ferrari to partner Fernando Alonso. 

If the reports turn out to be true Kovalainen would once again team up with Lewis Hamilton who drove alongside at McLaren from 2008 to 2009 before joining the then Lotus team in 2010 alongside Jarno Trulli.

There would be plenty of opportunities for Kovalainen to test the Mercedes W05 because if he is confirmed by the team before next weekend's Spanish Grand Prix he would be able to drive during the two day test which will take place on the Tuesday and Wednesday following the Spanish Grand Prix.

Another test session will take place following the British Grand Prix in July. We will just have to wait and see what happens in the coming days.

©Ben Johnston 2014