Sepang, Malaysia,
Fernando Alonso MP4-22 0 1
Lewis Hamilton MP4-22 0 5
T-car (Fernando) MP4-22 0 3
2007 MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX
Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton claimed a one-two for
the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team today at the Malaysian
Grand Prix. This was the team’s first victory with Vodafone
as a Title Partner and the team’s 41st one-two. Today’s
result sees the team extending their lead in the Constructors’
Championship with a total of 32 points and Fernando topping
the drivers’ battle with 18 points. Lewis is third with
14 points. Both drivers were on two-stop strategies with Fernando
pitting on laps 18 (8.1
seconds) and 40 (7.2 seconds) whilst Lewis pitted on laps
20 (7.4 seconds) and 38 (7.8 seconds). Lewis did the fastest
lap of the race with 1m36.701 on lap 22. The team is now going
straight to Bahrain to prepare for the race next weekend.
FERNANDO ALONSO "To win today after
coming second in Australia with my new team is like a dream
come true. I’m so happy and pleased with the progress
we as a team have made since we unveiled the MP4-22 in mid-January.
We knew the key to victory today was to make a good start
and get in front to control the race which we achieved. To
have Lewis in second place makes today’s result even
better. There was bit of a drama when there was a problem
with my radio after about ten laps, so I wasn’t sure
if the team was ready for me when I came in to pit for the
first time. However they were and the radio was fixed during
the stop. After that it was a matter of fighting the conditions,
but as I was not really threatened I could take it a bit easier,
however it was tough - really tough. We will now continue
our preparations for Bahrain and I can’t wait."
LEWIS HAMILTON "That was the toughest
race of my career. I was defending my position for a lot of
the time, and I’m so pleased that I managed to keep
both Felipe and Kimi behind me. However it was hard work and
it was just so hot inside the cockpit. A big thank you to
the team who have worked so hard both with the car but also
preparing me for the past months. Today’s result is
super for the entire team. I made a good start and was able
to get past Felipe and Kimi to take second. At one point Felipe
was attacking at Turn 4 and ended up going slightly off the
track, and I was able to keep second. Kimi was catching towards
the end as I was struggling with the balance a bit but what
a race. I now have experience of racing in these conditions
and will be even better prepared next year. I’m now
looking forward to Bahrain. Congratulations to Fernando, very
well done."
RON DENNIS "I’m delighted for
everybody in the team who have worked so hard to achieve this
result. There is a new spirit within the team that I believe
have been witnessed by anyone who watched us during the course
of the weekend. Fernando delivers a wealth of experience and
racing capability whilst Lewis continues to demonstrate why
he has warranted the enthusiasm of all of us who have worked
with him over the years. Everybody throughout our entire organisation
deserves to celebrate the success that they have achieved
tonight, but of course our attention will quickly turn to
the challenge of the next race in Bahrain. We are all looking
forward to an exciting championship campaign."
NORBERT HAUG "What a first class race
from Fernando and Lewis. Both drivers performed excellently
supported by a well executed strategy from the team. All the
hard work from everybody in Woking, Brixworth and Stuttgart
has paid off. Well done guys and to the next Grand Prix next
weekend."
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