MF1 RACING
2006 British GP - Free Practice
Tiago Monteiro (POR)
Chassis: M16-03, Car #18
First Timed Session Classification: 10th, 1:24.070 (+2.124),
6 laps completed
Second Timed Session Classification: 13th, 1:23.194 (+2.112),
23 laps completed
Quote: "I'm very pleased with our work
today. The car was very well prepared and the team was really
on its game. We did a really good job of focusing on our set-up
programme, making adjustments while on the same set of tyres,
and when we thought we had it figured out, we switched to
the new ones. Well, there was such a difference in the level
of grip that I made a mistake in the Abbey chicane and almost
lost the car! It's a shame because that one-tenth could have
put me in ninth position. Still, it's very encouraging to
be so close to the pace here. Now we need to keep our cool,
work hard tonight, and come out strong in qualifying tomorrow.
I'm really looking forward to it!"
Christijan Albers (NED)
Chassis: M16-04, Car #19
First Timed Session Classification: 9th, 1:24.019 (+2.073),
6 laps completed
Second Timed Session Classification: 15th, 1:23.499 (+2.417),
14 laps completed
Quote: "Overall, I think we had a pretty
good day. It's a shame I couldn't use the new tyre set as
I wanted, but everyone did a good job and the car was quite
nice to drive on this circuit. We put in some reasonable times
although I have to say that I believe we could have gone even
faster if we hadn't encountered a technical problem in the
second session. It's nothing major, so it should be resolved
in time for tomorrow, and hopefully we'll be able to improve
on our qualifying performance."
Giorgio Mondini (SUI)
Chassis: M16-02, T-Car
First Timed Session Classification: 11th, 1:24.087 (+2.141),
19 laps completed
Second Timed Session Classification: 16th, 1:23.529 (+2.447),
25 laps completed
Quote: "We tried some new aero parts
on the car today that seem to be working well, considering
our pace. I had a spin in the first session that limited my
tyre programme a bit, but we were able to get the required
data and I think we're on the right path to making the correct
choice. The progress we are making is very clear and everyone
on the team seems very motivated. Let's hope it continues
throughout the weekend!"
Colin Kolles, Managing Director: "We've
been quicker here in testing, but that probably has more to
do with the track conditions than anything else, because everyone
is slower. I think we are definitely heading in the right
direction. The gap compared to last year is much, much smaller.
Obviously, we'll see where we really are tomorrow in qualifying,
but we are very much looking forward to it. It certainly looks
promising."
James Key, Technical Director: "Both
sessions were quite satisfying for all of our drivers, I think.
There were no significant issues with the cars to speak of.
Giorgio had a small spin this morning, but then this was the
case with a number of cars because the track condition was
very difficult to start off with. All things considered, the
performance level was a little better than expected today,
but the important thing is tomorrow afternoon, so we'll see
where we are then. All three drivers did a very solid job
and we had some aero developments which seem to be working
as intended. We've got some homework to do tonight on balance
and tyre selection, but otherwise we're in relatively good
shape."
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