Brazilian Grand Prix – Interlagos, 20th October 2006
Free practice - First session
Michael Schumacher: - - - chassis 255
Felipe Massa: - - - chassis 256
Temperatures: air 20/22 °C, track 25/30 °C
Free practice – Second session
Michael Schumacher: 6th 1.13.173 15 laps chassis 255
Felipe Massa: 17th 1.14.561 15 laps chassis 256
Temperatures: air 20 °C, track 30/27 °C
Jean Todt: “This is a special Friday,
because even if we are trying not to think about it too much,
we are well aware that this is the first day of Michael’s
final race weekend as a driver. Furthermore this is the final
Grand Prix of what has been a very tough season, featuring
moments of joy but also disappointment. It is still hard to
put behind us thoughts about Michael’s retirement in
Suzuka, which compromised our chances of victory in both championships,
especially the Drivers’ one. Here our target is very
clear, namely to get a one-two, which we know is an ambitious
goal but one that is achievable. All our efforts and those
of our technical partners, first and foremost Bridgestone
and Shell, are concentrated on this task. Then we will see
how things turn out depending on the race result.”
Michael Schumacher: “Of course, I
am well aware this is my last Grand Prix, but once I am in
the car, it feels no different to any other. I am here with
my family and my closest friends which makes me happy. I would
like to thank BMW-Sauber for their nice gesture. On the technical
front, first impressions are good: the car and the Bridgestones
seem to be working well. The situation seems pretty close
and from our side we are happy with the work we have done
today. Our aim is clearly to try and win the Constructors’
championship and that will require a one-two finish.”
Felipe Massa: “We worked a lot on
car set-up, which was not quite right at the start of the
session, especially in terms of grip. Towards the end, we
managed to improve, which makes me reasonably confident for
tomorrow. My yellow and green race suit? It’s a tribute
to my country and I must say I am very happy to have my first
race in a Ferrari in Brazil wearing our national colours.”
Ross Brawn: “Fundamentally, it was
a Friday pretty much like any other, at least on the technical
front. The track was very dirty and all it needed was to go
very slightly off the ideal line to record a much slower lap
time. The cars seem reasonably well balanced and the performance
of the Bridgestone tyres is also looking good.”
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