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Davide Valsecchi says Heikki Kovalainen's qualifying performance shows that Lotus made a good choice to replace Kimi Raikkonen.

Despite being the team's reserve driver, Valsecchi was overlooked in favour of Kovalainen when Raikkonen was ruled out for the final two races of the season due to back surgery. Despite being disappointed not to be selected and confident he could do the same job Kovalainen has so far, Valsecchi told ESPN exclusively that the way the weekend is panning out is what Lotus was looking for.

"On Tuesday morning they called me," Valsecchi said. "I think everything was right. The team took the time to decide and said that it was not an easy decision. I think it was perfect timing; already the plan was for me to come here with the team so there was no need to tell me before or change anything, it was fine.

"The team decided with Kovalainen and the story is also paying off so I think they decided well. We will have to see it after the weekend but considering how it is going well so far I think it was a good choice.

"Also, with me, I am not thinking that I was so far behind. If you consider the gap that there is between Grosjean and Kovalainen … maybe [I could match it], but we don't have the proof. What we know is that the story is working out really well for us, so at this time the decision is well done."

Valsecchi added that he hadn't received any hint from the team that he would get the drive and understood the reasons why he wasn't chosen.

"I was hoping to get it but they told me that it the standings are extremely important and they really want to fight with Ferrari for third place in the championship. I think Kovalainen was a bit more safety."

Chris Medland is assistant editor at ESPNF1

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