2006 Turkish Grand Prix - Free Practice
Tiago Monteiro (POR) - Chassis: M16-03, Car #18
First Timed Session Classification: 15th, 1:31.566 (+3.251)
10 laps completed
Second Timed Session Classification: 26th, 1:31.519 (+3.428)
15 laps completed
Quote: "Today was alright, considering
we stayed on the same set of tyres all day. We didn't want
to waste a new set, preferring instead to keep them for tomorrow.
By the time we wrapped up, this afternoon, my tyres were very
well worn. Fortunately, we managed to find a pretty good balance
toward the end, and that's the main thing, really. Every time
we went in some direction that didn't work, I came back in,
and the team made the appropriate corrections to get us back
on the right track. My engineers and mechanics did a terrific
job today, so hopefully that will pay off tomorrow with continued
improvements."
Christijan Albers (NED) - Chassis: M16-02, Car #19
First Timed Session Classification: 14th, 1:31.475 (+3.160)
10 laps completed
Second Timed Session Classification: 29th, 1:32.102 (+4.011)
7 laps completed
Quote: "It's very difficult to explain
how frustrated I feel right now.This is the third time in
a row that we've had a really bad Friday. Midland and Toyota
have to push hard together as a team, to look at the data
and analyse what's going on, because in Formula 1, we can't
afford to have these kinds of failures."
Giorgio Mondini (SUI) - Chassis: M16-04, T-Car
First Timed Session Classification: 12th, 1:30.846 (+2.531)
28 laps completed
Second Timed Session Classification: 11th, 1:29.719 (+1.628)
27 laps completed
Quote: "It was a very good session from
my point of view. We ran through the program without any problems.
I trained very hard during my absence from the team, so my
fitness was good, even with the counter-clockwise track and
the high loads in Turn 8. It`s difficult to say how much the
car has improved since the last time I drove it, because each
track is different, but it certainly got better between this
morning and the afternoon. The team did a great job, and we're
moving in a good direction with regard to tyre choice."
Colin Kolles, Managing Director: "Unfortunately,
Christijan suffered his third engine failure in a row today,
so that will make it difficult for him to fight for positions
on Sunday. But we have had setbacks before, and we persevered
- it's the only thing one can do in a situation like this.
On the positive side, both Tiago and Giorgio had productive
sessions, so hopefully we can continue moving forward with
another strong qualifying performance tomorrow."
Dominic Harlow, Chief Race and Test Engineer:
"It was good to be back on track today and, technically,
it was quite an interesting session. I think we learned a
fair amount of what we had set out to do. We're disappointed
for Christijan, obviously, with the engine change, but nonetheless,
we're pleased with the results from our third car and with
Tiago's work, as well. We're fairly positive going into tomorrow
and should be able to improve things in time for qualifying."
Johnny Herbert, Sporting Relations Manager:
"Giorgio did another good job for us today. He stuck
to his programme and was able to give us good information
with respect to tyres and set-up. Christijan, unfortunately,
had another problem that necessitated an engine change for
tomorrow, which isn't very good - he's had a few too many
recently. It's been difficult for him and for the whole team
to accept, but we'll be up for the fight tomorrow. He's got
a strong enough character and he'll do a good job from the
back of the grid, as he has before. Tiago, by comparison,
had a rather uneventful day, just running through his programme
in an efficient manner. All in all, it's been a constructive
day, just terribly unfortunate for Christijan."
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