By Mark Ledsom

BUDAPEST, July 31 (Reuters) - Finn Heikki Kovalainen said on Thursday he hoped to end his career with McLaren after they announced his contract would be extended until the end of next season.

"I'm very happy with this team so there were no second thoughts about signing the new contract," the 26-year-old
Formula One driver told a news conference ahead of this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.

"There is great potential in this team and I want to be a successful driver in it. I would be happy to finish my career
with this team."

Kovalainen's future has been the subject of media speculation during an inconsistent season, with his only podium
finish coming when he was third in Malaysia.

He is sixth in the drivers' championship, 30 points behind team mate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton of Britain.

"As far as I was concerned I was never worried about my contractual situation," Kovalainen said.

"It's been my target to extend this relationship for many years and I think today's announcement was just to clarify the situation."

The decision to extend Kovalainen's contract was welcomed by Hamilton who said the Finn had made a big contribution to his success this season.

"It's great news," Hamilton told reporters. "The atmosphere in the team is fantastic and a lot of that is due to Heikki
being there and how we have worked together.

"I welcome it and I really hope he stays for longer."

Hamilton, who endured a tempestuous relationship with former team mate Fernando Alonso, signed a new five-year contract with McLaren in January.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)