Barcelona, Friday
2007 SPANISH GRAND PRIX FREE PRACTICE
Fernando Alonso MP4-22 06
Lewis Hamilton MP4-22 05
T-car (Fernando) MP4-22 03
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Fernando Alonso emerged
fastest from today’s two practice sessions at the Barcelona
circuit with a time of 1:21.397 set in the second session.
Lewis Hamilton was fastest in the first session with a time
of 1:21.880 whilst Fernando was second with 1:22.268. In the
second session Lewis was fifth with 1:22.188. Fernando completed
21 and 33 laps whilst Lewis did 22 and 37 laps.
Practice Session One:
Fernando: Lewis:
10.05: out / in 10.06: out / in
10.30: 7 laps, best 1:22.449 10.31: 7 laps, best 1:22.585
10.57: 7 laps, best 1:22.268 (2nd) 10.56: 5 laps, best 1:22.165
11.23: 6 laps, best 1:23.065 11.10: 4 laps, best 1:23.058
11.23: 5 laps, best 1:21.880 (1st)
Practice Session Two:
Fernando: Lewis:
14.06: 7 laps, best 1:23.022 14.05: 6 laps, best 1:22.188
(5th)
14.29: 6 laps, best 1:21.397 (1st) 14.21: 6 laps, best 1:23.073
14.53: 10 laps, best 1:22.692 14.42: 12 laps, best 1:22.271
15.16: 10 laps, best 1:22.550 15.09: 15 laps, best 1:22.724
FAST FACTS
What developments have been introduced to the car since the
last race in Bahrain four weeks ago?
There are a number of small but significant developments to
the car. The most obvious one being the high mounted flap
on the front wing assembly. Everybody at the McLaren Technology
Centre have worked really hard since the Bahrain Grand Prix
and so far it seems to have paid off, but the other teams
have improved as well so we will see what happens.
Does the fact that you tested in Barcelona recently affect
the amount of running you did today?
The track conditions are always changing and as a result it
doesn’t affect the amount of running we do. For an example
the track temperature today was higher than at the test.
Obviously there is a lot of support from the fans for Fernando
and the team – does that provide additional pressure
this weekend?
We always come to every race with the intention of winning
and as a result there is always pressure on everybody in the
team. However there is no doubt that we will enjoy the extra
support this weekend and do our best to ensure that the fans
get an enjoyable and exciting race.
FERNANDO ALONSO
“A great start to my home Grand Prix with a trouble
free Friday practice. We went through the usual programme
of tyre evaluation and set-up work, but had a pretty good
balance early on. We have definitely improved the car further
since Bahrain. I look forward to the rest of the weekend and
really want to do my best for all the supporters.”
LEWIS HAMILTON
“We completed our pre-planned programme focusing on
tyres and set-up work. Everything went well. I set my fastest
time early in the session and was able to be consistent throughout,
so I’m fairly confident for the rest of the weekend.”
RON DENNIS
“Since the Bahrain Grand Prix the team has worked really
hard on improving the car and there is no doubt that this
has paid off, but we have to wait until Sunday to see how
effective our developments have been. However we have had
the best possible start to the weekend.”
NORBERT HAUG
“A good start for the team at Fernando’s home
Grand Prix with competitive and consistent times from both
drivers. The team’s efforts in the build-up to the European
season have been positive, but we have to wait and see until
qualifying what steps forward we have taken in comparison
to our competitors.”
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