Australian Grand Prix – Melbourne, 31st March 2006
Free practice - First session
Felipe Massa: 5th 1.29.025 7 laps chassis
252
Michael Schumacher: 6th 1.29.041 5 laps chassis
253
Temperatures: air 18/19 °C, track 21/22 °C
Free practice – Second session
Michael Schumacher: 6th 1.27.658 16 laps chassis 253
Felipe Massa: 10th 1.28.227 17 laps chassis 252
Temperatures: air 21 °C, track 25/24 °C
Jean Todt:
“The initial analysis of these first two hours of free
practice provides us with a clear indication that the major
players in this early part of the season are all very closely
matched. For our part, we worked mainly on setting up the
two 248 F1s and now it is up to the engineers to analyse the
data. Temperature will be a very important factor this weekend,
both in terms of making the right tyre choice and then of
optimising their performance.”
Michael Schumacher:
“Things went pretty well, apart from a bit
of traffic stopping us from getting through 100% of our planned
programme. One variable was the wind, which occasionally made
for unpredictable handling. On one lap, I ended up running
a bit wide in a corner when a gust of wind pushed the car
from behind, when I had no more room to brake. As for the
tyres, it will be important to always ensure they are up to
temperature. There are no other problems, partly because over
the winter we ran in much colder conditions than this. Tomorrow,
I hope to be a front runner and be able to start the race
from as near to the lights as possible.”
Felipe Massa:
“It was a good day’s work. We concentrated mainly
on finding the best setup. My final time does not reflect
my real performance level, because on my last run I had a
lot of yellow flags in the final sector of track and I had
to keep lifting off the throttle. I am satisfied, because
the car is well balanced and we improved constantly throughout
the day. I am confident for tomorrow and Sunday.”
Ross Brawn:
“It was a reasonably positive day. The cars
seem well balanced and we had no problems at all. Air and
track temperatures are a bit lower than expected and so it
takes a bit longer to get the tyres working at their best.
Once they reach operating temperature, their performance is
good. Now we have to analyse the data we have gathered over
these two hours to be as well prepared as possible for qualifying
and the race.”
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