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Heikki Kovalainen is increasingly pessimistic about his chances of being on the Formula 1 grid next year.

The Finn has been driving for the Caterham team - previously Lotus - for the past three seasons and admitted he wanted to stay on for 2013.

But with Caterham delaying its decision on drivers, a sanguine Kovalainen reckons his chances are now slim, especially as he is not interested in trying to find a sponsor to secure the drive.

"I'm not too stressed about it. It is what it is. If it's the last race it's a shame, but the situation is quite tricky for me and there is not much more that I can do," said Kovalainen.

"If that's what it's going to be that's what it's going to be. I'm just fully focused on this weekend and on trying to achieve the best result for the team.

"Who knows what's going to happen, but from my experience it's never good when it's this late in the season and things have not been decided. But that's how it is.

"I know I'm on the list. I still have a very good relationship with Tony [Fernandes] and the team and it could well be that I stay here, but just from my experience I know how things are in Formula 1. And when it gets late it's never a good sign."

Kovalainen admitted he is looking for other options in F1 and beyond, but says he has been asked for money to stay in grand prix racing and dislikes that approach.

"It won't be the end, whatever happens. I have a life. I'm not going to go and kill myself," he said. "Of course we are looking at the options, outside F1 as well, but also in F1.

"But even the other options require some money, and I don't want to go that route. I told my manager not to actively find money. I don't think it leads to anything.

"If you have a big backer like Santander that went with you to a team it's a different thing. But to collect the money for one season doesn't do anything. It's not what it's all about.

"I just don't think there is a structure for it. I think there needs to be a clear plan to go and find money to race in the middle of the grid. It doesn't appeal to me."

Caterham has dropped behind rival Marussia in the crucial battle for 10th place in the championship. Kovalainen reckons recovering that lucrative spot "probably would help" his 2013 chances.

The Finn reckons he has been driving very well at Caterham, but feels that the lack of results has made it hard for other teams to notice him.

"I've reached a good level. I very rarely have bad races anymore. Most of time I get the best out of the car.

"I have a lot to offer but the situation in Formula 1 as it is might not fit me. It might not have room for me.

"There is nothing I can do about it. I can't get any better results to show other teams, and if the results here are not enough to go forward or to stay here then so be it."