British Grand Prix – Silverstone, 9th June 2006
Free practice - First session
Michael Schumacher: 5th 1.22.925 3 laps chassis 254
Felipe Massa: 8th 1.23.816 4 laps chassis 250 Temperatures:
air 23/24 °C, track 32/33 °C
Free practice – Second session
Felipe Massa: 6th 1.22.476 19 laps chassis 250
Michael Schumacher: 8th 1.22.825 14 laps chassis 254
Temperatures: air 26 °C, track 36/38 °C
Jean Todt: “It’s always special
to return to Silverstone, where we have not run since last
year’s British Grand Prix. This is one of Formula 1’s
historic circuits and the home track for almost all our adversaries.
Today, the track was not yet at its best, but we still managed
to work through all our programme. We worked on defining set-up
and on the comparison of the two types of Bridgestone tyre
at our disposal. They came here well prepared. Now we must
study the data we have acquired and then try and improve in
all areas for the rest of the weekend. But from what we could
see in these two hours of free practice, the situation seems
reasonably good.”
Felipe Massa: “We worked mainly on
comparing the two available types of Bridgestone tyre. Unfortunately,
the track was very dirty and so it was quite tough to find
the right car balance immediately, but that was the same for
everyone. Now we must analyse our data to be as well prepared
as possible for the rest of the weekend.”
Michael Schumacher: “It’s a
bit difficult to judge the situation after these two hours
of free practice: tyres, fuel levels and work schedules are
all different and they all have a bearing on performance.
What we can say is that it is very tricky as the track is
still very slippery. That’s why so many, me included,
went off track. We have to look carefully at the data to understand
the situation, taking into account the wind, which also played
its part today. There is no reason why we should not be competitive
here too. Last week’s Barcelona test was very encouraging,
so we can be confident in our ability to fight for the win.”
Ross Brawn: “The two hours turned
out to be pretty complicated, starting with a car that was
not perfectly balanced. However, from what we could see on
the television, it seemed everyone suffered a bit. Then, bit
by bit as the track improved, the balance of the car also
got better and by the end the situation was quite good. Now,
using the data, we have to work out which direction to go
in for the next two days, given that the track will change
a lot. The team and drivers worked intelligently, without
losing the thread when things did not seem to be going the
right way. Given that we have not run at all at this circuit
this year, we can count ourselves satisfied with what we have
seen today"
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