French Grand Prix: Pre Race Quotes
Jun 20, 2008
McLaren
Fernando Alonso, Renault:
“We had a small engine problem at the end of the morning session but my mechanics did a remarkable job to fix the car and we were able to continue our free practice programme this afternoon without any problems. We tried several new elements that we ran in the test last week and everything went well and we completed our programme. Looking ahead to qualifying tomorrow, I think that our level of performance is rather encouraging.”
Felipe Massa, Ferrari:
“It was a good day, apart from a slightly tight neck which I began to feel this morning: so as not to take any risks, I chose to avoid doing too many runs of several laps. I therefore concentrated on the car’s set-up, working with both types of tyre. On the softer ones, it seems to be a little bit harder to find the right balance, but we must take into account that today, as usual on a Friday, the track is still dirty. Everyone suffered a bit with graining on the front tyres, but tomorrow the situation should improve. We must study all the data we have gathered to prepare as well as possible for qualifying and the race.”
Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari:
“I am happy with the way things went during these two free practice sessions. We got through all our usual Friday job list, working mainly towards the race. Of course we don’t know how much fuel our main rivals were running, but I get the impression we are very competitive. Maybe I did not get the most out of the first lap, but I am happy with the balance of the car. We tried out this new system for a Safety Car period and I think it could be a good solution because it puts everyone in the same situation and that way,you can’t be penalized just by unfortunate circumstances.”
Lewis Hamilton, McLaren:
“We made a great deal of progress this morning and seemed to get the car dialled in nicely to the circuit. This afternoon, I unfortunately had a twitchy moment at the exit of Turn Three and ran wide into the gravel. It cut short my run with no major damage and slightly disturbed our run programme. At the end of the session, we tried out a new Safety Car timing system, which still needs a little more work at the moment. But today has shown we’re looking quick this weekend.”
Sebastian Vettel, Toro Rosso:
“I am very happy with the work we did today. I had a good pace since the beginning of the morning session and we made changes that seemed to improve the car. Fifth looks very good, but you never know what fuel loads the others were running, but it’s better than being twentieth! The new aero package is a good step forward and should show its value on this track with lots of fast corners and quick changes of direction.”
