Jul.17 (GMM) Heikki Kovalainen on Thursday played down reports that his McLaren tenure could end at the conclusion of the 2008 season.

This year is only the 26-year-old's first season with the Mercedes-powered team.

But speculation this week, spurred on by comments made by Williams test driver Nico Hulkenberg's manager Willi Weber, suggested he may be part of a seat reshuffle for 2009, involving Nico Rosberg moving up to McLaren.

Weber suggested Kovalainen would in 2009 return to Renault, with whom he made his grand prix debut last year.

"Willi Weber has nothing to do with my management," Kovalainen made clear on Thursday, on the eve of the German grand prix.

"I don't think he knows anything about my contract situation. All I can say is I am happy with my situation and would like to remain (at McLaren) for a long time," he added.