Chinese Grand Prix: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes - Day 1 Practice Report

Chinese Grand Prix: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes - Day 1 Practice Report

Chinese Grand Prix: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes - Day 1 Practice Report

McLaren


LEWIS HAMILTON

MP4-25A-01
P1 programme   19 laps  1m36.775s (+.098s)   3rd
P2 programme   26 laps   1m35.217s               1st

“We may have topped the timesheets in each session, but I don’t necessarily think today’s times make us the favourites for this race. The car does feel good, but our pace looks pretty similar to some of the other cars on long runs.

“Everyone talks about us having a straight-line advantage, but that’s not true – other cars have the same speed as us at the end of the straight. We’re a little bit quicker than some teams, but, equally, they’re able to run more downforce. It’s about getting a good balance – and we feel we’ve got that.

“We’re continuing with the good feeling we felt in Malaysia, but we’ve made some further subtle changes and they were encouraging. I come out of today with a positive feeling – we’ll now keep our heads down and concentrate on gaining a strong qualifying position tomorrow.”

JENSON BUTTON

MP4-25A-03
P1 programme  15 laps  1m36.677s                 1st
P2 programme   26 laps  1m35.593s (+.376s)    3rd


“Today’s been good. This afternoon was a little frustrating: on my new-tyre run I ran into traffic – which you seem to get in every session – but the actual work we’ve done, and the direction we’ve taken, has been positive. There are a few more things we need to do, but we’re almost getting the maximum out of the car – especially on the long runs.

“We’re moving in the right direction. There are a few things we can still tweak over the course of this evening, but I think we’ve come here with a pretty good car from lap one.

“Of course, some of the teams haven’t shown their hand yet, but you can tell from the long-run times that they’re competitive. Maybe we’re not on their pace yet, but we’ve got tonight to make further improvements to the car.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH - Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“A successful day for Jenson and Lewis – they were both happy with the balance and performance of their cars. We’re aware that some of the other teams have yet to show their true pace, but we’re confident that we’ll be able to maintain the positive progress we’ve been making over the past few races.

“Our aim for this weekend is further to improve our performance in qualifying and also to enjoy a trouble-free race in order to pick up the maximum possible points – in that respect, we feel we’ve got off to a perfect start.”

Click Here to Read More:

Jenson Button Fastest in First Practice at Shanghai
Formula 1: Chinese Grand Prix - First Practice Results
Lewis Hamilton Fastest in Second Practice at Shanghai
Formula 1: Chinese Grand Prix - Second Practice Results

You could get van insurance for as little as £276 (based on quotes provided to 10% of callers. (Source: MORE TH>N BUSINESS October 2009) when you buy online as well as other great offers when you buy a business insurance product.

With our home insurance policy, when you buy buildings insurance, we'll give you contents insurance up to £75,000 absolutely free! or for contents worth more, try our high value home insurance cover

Buy pet insurance online and benefit from a 20% discount! From 8 weeks old onwards, your pet cat or dog will be covered regardless of its age (covers each new injury or illness up to £7000).

Free helplines for legal advice, medical advice and post-accident counselling, and discounts on our breakdown cover with our car insurance UK based personal customer manager.

Apply at MORE TH>N and we'll give you the best quote from our panel of leading insurers to help find you the cheapest life insurance policy. Prices start from only £5 a month.

Choose a Newsfeed
use the newsfeed below to search the full Auto Racing Daily story archive