Aug.23 (GMM) Heikki Kovalainen on Thursday admitted that even his future on next year's formula one grid is not assured.

Renault's test driver Nelson Piquet Jr is expected to graduate to a racing role next year, but so far the incumbent team racer whose future has been in doubt is the veteran Giancarlo Fisichella.

But Finnish rookie Kovalainen, who is 25, told reporters in Istanbul that he too is waiting to hear Renault boss Flavio Briatore's decision about the 2008 lineup.

"I certainly hope I can be with the team," he said when asked about next year.

Kovalainen, who had a shaky start to his career but in recent races has got on terms with Fisichella, added: "But like Flavio said, he hasn't made a decision yet."

Briatore said three weeks ago in Hungary that he would settle on Renault's next race lineup around the time of the Italian grand prix in two more weeks.

Kovalainen admitted: "At the moment, honestly, I don't know."