Jul.24 (GMM) Mike Gascoyne says he is not surprised that Heikki Kovalainen's name is being linked with a possible switch to a rival team.

"That's the first time I've heard that," the Lotus technical boss told Finland's Turun Sanomat, when asked about the rumours linking Kovalainen with a 2011 return to his former team Renault.

"Heikki has done a good job so it's no wonder someone else could be interested in him," added the Briton.

It was believed that both Kovalainen, 28, and Jarno Trulli had signed long term contracts with Lotus beginning in 2010.

Gascoyne clarifies: "It is three years, but with mutual options for each year."

According to the Finnish newspaper, Kovalainen smiled when asked about the Renault rumours.

"Rumours are always nice," he said, "but I'm concentrating on now, driving with Lotus, and this weekend."

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