Formula 1: McLaren & BMW To Challenge The Red Cars In Istanbul

Superagurif1

May 08, 2008

“The three quickest teams looked to be very closely matched; and Renault have taken a major step forwards, too, “ says McLaren CEO Martin Whitmarsh. “It looks good for the sport, but we have to build on our own solid performance. We know we have some more developments coming through and we have to make sure we get them as soon as we can.

“During the second and third stints Lewis (Hamilton) was as quick as the Ferraris and able to catch up, but trying to pass a rival car at the Circuit de Catalunya is another matter altogether. “

Meanwhile, BMW Sauber team principal Mario Theissen says: “Our targets for the Turkish Grand Prix are clear: we want to consolidate our position among the leaders, where Ferrari is currently the yardstick. For the fifth race of the season we will be making detail improvements to the F1.08 again. The layout of this ultra-modern circuit on the Asian side of Istanbul is a real achievement and presents a true challenge. The race has been moved from the height of summer to this earlier date, which should make quite a difference to the demands on the teams and their material. Last year we had to contend with air temperatures of 36 degrees on race day. “

Ferrari may have had the advantage in Barcelona, but team principal Stefano Domenicali is exhorting his team to work ever harder to keep ahead of their rivals. “We saw that they are pushing like hell, “ he says in reference to McLaren’s and BMW Sauber’s performance in Spain.

“It was a very difficult race with two safety cars that interrupted the pace at which we were progressing. But we did need to keep up the pace and we don’t need to lose control of the reliability, because they were only three seconds behind us. The pace will be very tight and the championship is with us leading both, but it will be very, very long, believe me. “

World champion Kimi Raikkonen, the current points leader, likes Istanbul Park, having won there from pole in 2005. “It’s a terrific circuit, demanding on the cars, but great fun to drive. “ And his team mate Felipe Massa loves it because he has won there the past two years. It is a place that really suits Ferrari.

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