14th but Kovalainen hails Lotus for grit

Heikki Kovalainen hailed Lotus for their progress after claiming a best-so-far 14th place in Sunday's Korean Grand Prix, the team's best result since entering Formula One last year.

The Finnish driver finished the race ahead of several established midfield runners including both Sauber drivers Japanese Kamui Kobayashi and Mexican Sergio Perez.

"After the fantastic performance last weekend in Japan this is another big step forward for us," he said.

"Finishing 14th today, ahead of both Saubers and within touching distance of (Bruno) Senna on the final lap is for sure our strongest ever race and it's a great feeling for me and the whole team to see us fighting with a big group of cars right from the very first lap.

"We've been strong all weekend and it's great for the whole team that we're heading towards the end of the season with a car that is giving us a chance to really show what we can do.

"Honestly, I'd like to get straight back in now and do it all over again -- now I can't wait for India!"

His Lotus team-mate Italian veteran Jarno Trulli came home 17th, also a lap down on the victorious Red Bull of double champion German Sebastian Vettel.