Japanese Grand Prix – Suzuka, 6th October 2006
Free practice - First session
Michael Schumacher: - - - chassis 255
Felipe Massa: - - - chassis 256
Temperatures: air 21 °C, track 21/23 °C
Free practice – Second session
Felipe Massa: 2nd 1.34.408 10 laps chassis 256
Michael Schumacher: 3rd 1.34.565 10 laps chassis 255
Temperatures: air 23/24 °C, track 24/25 °C
Jean Todt: “This Friday was affected
by changing weather conditions that meant changing track conditions
too. Given the forecast we had been given, we chose to run
practically only when the track was dry. Despite this limitation
we gathered important data to prepare as well as possible
for the penultimate round of the season, which takes on a
special importance, given the situation in the championships.
We must concentrate on ourselves and our work load, trying
to fend off the inevitable pressure that can develop in these
situations. Along with Bridgestone, we will be trying to make
the most of the package we have at our disposal.”
Felipe Massa: “Overall, a positive
day. We didn’t run much because of the rain, but towards
the end of the second session, once the track conditions allowed
it we did a series of laps on dry tyres. I’d say the
data we have seen looks quite promising. I am reasonably happy
with the balance of the car and the behaviour of the Bridgestone
tyres in these conditions. All this means I reckon we can
be competitive in both qualifying and the race.”
Michael Schumacher: “All we have got
is a flavour of the situation and so it is hard to judge.
The car and the Bridgestone tyres seem to be behaving well
and there were no problems of any sort. The weather forecast
is supposed to steadily improve and that can only be good
for us. The team is in very good spirits, concentrating on
our work and everything seems to be going well. As for qualifying,
I think we will be fighting Renault for the top places on
the grid. The race? I hope it goes well for us!”
Ross Brawn: “The weather affected
the day with the track only drying in the final moments of
the second hour of free practice. But we still picked up enough
data for an initial indication of the handling of our tyres
and the Bridgestone tyres and first indications are reasonably
positive. Obviously, we were not able to complete our entire
work load that we usually get through on a Friday, but we
have enough data on which to base our work for the rest of
the weekend. We were and we remain confident about our level
of competitiveness.”
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