MP4-22 SHAKEDOWN REPORT - VALENCIA
Date: Wednesday 17th January 2007
Drivers: Fernando Alonso
Location: Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia, Spain
Track Length: 4.005km
Weather: Clear skies and sunshine
Air Temperature: High of 21.3 degrees Celsius
Total Laps Run: 59
Kilometres 233km approx.
Covered:
Best Lap Time: 1m12.050 at 17:05
Programme: The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
2007 challenger took to the track at the circuit Ricardo Tormo
in Valencia for the first time at 10:11 this morning, with
Fernando Alonso at the wheel of the MP4-22. The programme
for the one day shakedown centred around initial system checks
on the car along with work on the engine mapping, before preparations
for the new season begin in earnest next week at the same
track. Today saw no problems with the new Mercedes-Benz FO108T,
however there was a slight oil leak from a joint during the
afternoon, which was quickly recognised and rectified allowing
the session to continue without any problems.
Fernando Alonso: "I am very happy after today's shakedown
in the MP4-22. We achieved our principle objectives, with
regards how the car felt to drive. I am familiar with the
MP4-21 as I tested it for one day last year, so there were
no great surprises. It has the same philosophy, which is good
as I felt comfortable in this car. Working with the team so
far has been really positive and I feel that the atmosphere
is really enthusiastic. Everyone is really focused on preparing
the car for the first race and we are approaching the start
of the new season in a good way. Obviously today was just
a shakedown and as a result running was limited. We were working
in a very concentrated manner and attention was being paid
to every detail of the car. I feel that over all today has
been really good and the next few weeks testing will be very
productive."
Unofficial times*:
Pos | Driver | Constructor | Time | Laps
| | | |
----+------------------+--------------------------+----------+------
1 | Fernando Alonso | Vodafone McLaren Mercedes| 1m12.050
| 59
----+------------------+--------------------------+----------+------
2 | Nick Heidfeld | BMW Sauber | 1m12.150 | 39
----+------------------+--------------------------+----------+------
3 | Sebastian Vettel | BMW Sauber | 1m12.563 | 111
*no official times available
|
