Friday 31 Oktober at 10:58 : Oct.31 (GMM) Heikki Kovalainen has denied he is "unhappy" with his role at McLaren, but admits he wants to talk with team bosses over the winter

It was reported last week that the 27-year-old Finn, who will remain Lewis Hamilton's teammate in 2009, has confided to friends he is uncomfortable with his escalating role as a secondary driver

"I feel comfortable in this team, I have nothing to be negative about or ashamed of," Kovalainen told reporters at Interlagos on Thursday

"Somebody told me that there were some quotes saying I was unhappy in the team, but I don't underline that at all."nnThe report, however, said Kovalainen is unhappy about always running higher fuel loads for the decisive qualifying phase, leaving him out of contention to compete with Hamilton in the races

"Over the winter we will have a look at things and try to improve for next year," he said

"I'd like to start the races higher up on the grid because it makes a big difference in terms of the result at the end of the race

"And with a bit less fuel I have a better chance of starting the race higher up

"This year is my first year with a top team and next year we need to take a step forward," Kovalainen said