F1 Abu Dhabi - FRI - Free Practice (VMM)

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Abu Dhabi/Yas Marina, UAE, Nov 12, 2010

LEWIS HAMILTON
- MP4-25A-02
- P1 programme: 16 laps, 1m43.369s (+0.609s), 2nd
- P2 programme: 25 laps, 1m40.888s, 1st

�We�ve been hoping for some time to improve our revised rear wing. It hasn�t really been working fully since we first tested it at Suzuka, so we�ve not been able to use it to its fullest extent.


�We knew that it had potential though - and to have it finally working properly is a huge plus for us. The car feels good, so I�m hopeful for a good qualifying result tomorrow afternoon.

�Of course, it will be tough, because the Red Bulls tend to pull out half a second in Q3, but our pace is closer to theirs than it�s ever been.

�Of all the weekends this year, this time I feel like we really do have the right package to challenge the fastest cars. I think we can fight for the front row. My visit to the stewards was just to explain what happened out on track with Bruno (Senna).

�It was a bit of a misunderstanding: he was trying to start his lap, and I was trying to come into the pits. I�ll go and speak to Bruno to make sure everything�s cool.�

JENSON BUTTON
- MP4-25A-01
- P1 programme: 19 laps, 1m43.785s (+1.025s), 3rd
- P2 programme: 28 laps, 1m42.132s (+1.244s), 8th

�Today showed us there are a few areas where we need to improve my car. We changed a few things for the afternoon session, and I struggled with the balance - front locking is an issue, as it has been for the past few races.

�There�s not enough consistency, so I think we�re running a downforce level that�s too low for this circuit. So that�s probably not the way forward, but at least it�s shown us the reasons why the pace wasn�t there.

�It seems like Lewis�s car, which was in a different configuration to mine, is still very quick - so hopefully we can find that same sweet-spot with my car. I want to enjoy the rest of the weekend - and there are lots of reasons to feel optimistic for tomorrow.�

MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

�We come to this race determined to end an already successful season on a high, and to consolidate our second position in the constructors� world championship.

�To that end, we�ve aggressively refined our rear wing design into its final iteration, and initial tests suggest it�s delivering the additional performance we�d anticipated. Lewis set a very strong pace in both practice sessions, ending the day fastest overall - a result that provides us with plenty of encouragement as we continue to refine our car overnight.

�Jenson was less satisfied with his car�s balance, once again encountering the front-locking issues that have affected him in recent races. However, he and his engineers are confident they can overcome these issues before practice resumes tomorrow.

�Last year, this race was �the one that got away� from us following Lewis�s early mechanical retirement after leading the opening laps.

�Now, the whole team will be looking to make up for that with victory this weekend - that�s very much our aim.�









* Official details courtesy of VODAFONE MCLAREN MERCEDES *

Source of the photos >> F1 Fanatic

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