Friday: McLaren gets off to a good start

This final race weekend of the season in Abu Dhabi might just belong to McLaren-Mercedes. A clear sign that warns of the team’s announced return to the highest level by 2010. For now, Heikki Kovalainen and Lewis Hamilton have each won an event by being the fastest.

The Finn is first in the second session after a gentle start during the day. The British driver was first during free practice 1 but managed to stay on top during the second session with the second-best time just behind his teammate. McLaren is well on its way to securing 3rd place in the constructors’ standings, especially since Ferrari is far behind.

Heikki Kovalainen 12th and 1st:

The day was very good. We had already done some good work at Woking preparing for this circuit, we had the right balance from the start. However, we had a brake problem during the first session, which we couldn’t fix during the session. In the afternoon, we managed to improve considerably, with both types of tires working well. The circuit is cool, very smooth with good grip and the curbs are gentle. The laps aren’t easy, but with the right car balance, they are fun. On the straight, the KERS gives us an extra advantage. We can use it for maximum performance and it saves us three to four tenths. The light is not a problem with our detachable tinted visors, which we could remove once the sun sets.

Lewis Hamilton 1st and 2nd:

« It seems that we could be very competitive here. Our long runs look good, the car feels great, and the track is wide, it’s quite interesting with the lights. They have done an amazing job here. It’s a really nice circuit to drive, there are a lot of technical corners where braking stability is important. It’s a good track and I really enjoy driving here. The thing I don’t like is the tunnel, but it’s a challenge! We’ll have to see what happens tomorrow because track conditions always evolve, but we feel very comfortable with the pace we have. Our car seems to handle the curbs very well, we feel that our balance is quite good. Our car is probably better than the one I’ve driven all year; it keeps getting better. In some way, it has been a great year: it’s a bit like a race when you start from the back and fight your way to the front, that’s what our season has been like. And I’m extremely proud of everyone in our team; they have done a fantastic job all year long, and I would like to finish on a high note for each of them. »

Martin Whitmarsh – Director of the McLaren Team:

I think everyone in the paddock has been overwhelmed by the scale and ambition of the Yas Marina circuit; it sets the standards within our sport that will, I think, be nearly impossible to overshadow. It’s a truly fantastic facility and a tribute to the incredible vision of our hosts here in Abu Dhabi, who have treated everyone in our team with great warmth and hospitality. Finishing the second practice session in first and second positions on the time sheets is, of course, very encouraging, but we are aware that there are a number of closely aligned teams that will be working hard to win this race. Heikki and Lewis have done a fantastic job. Now, our efforts will turn towards maximizing our performance.