McLaren wraps up British GP preparations
Team McLaren Mercedes drivers Juan Pablo Montoya and Pedro de la Rosa completed the three day test at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain in preparation for the British Grand Prix in Silverstone. Both drivers continued the work on suspension and aerodynamics whilst evaluating the final selection of prime and option tyres for the Grand Prix next weekend.
Juan Pablo was seventh fastest having completed a total of 114 laps and approximately 527km. His work also concentrated on specific car set-up for the forthcoming grand prix working with his race engineer.
Pedro de la Rosa completed over 450km whilst setting the sixth fastest time. He had been focusing on long runs for most of the day. Shortly after 14:00 the engine in Pedro's car was changed as it had completed its mileage quota. The mechanics worked hard and were able to get the Spaniard back out on track for the final hour of the days running.
DAY ONE – WEDNESDAY 31ST MAY:
Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett were in attendance for Team McLaren Mercedes alongside 13 other drivers at the 4.627km circuit. The morning's session was affected by rain and as a result Pedro and Gary's work focused on wet Michelin testing. The afternoon saw both drivers work on a combination of front and rear suspension and aerodynamic developments. Both drivers completed 70 laps equalling over 320km. Pedro set the sixth quickest time of the day with a 1m15.828. Gary had a fastest time of 1m17.480 which put him 15th on the time sheets.
DAY TWO – THURSDAY 1ST JUNE:
Juan Pablo Montoya joined Pedro de la Rosa at the Circuit de Catalunya as the test programme and preparations for the British Grand Prix continued apace. The focus remained on suspension and aerodynamic work, with both drivers also running the Michelin selection process for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone next weekend. On the second day of this test Pedro completed 85 laps equalling over 390km. His fastest lap time of 1m15.240 was the eighth fastest of the day. Juan Pablo completed 61 laps and 282km. His fastest lap time of 1m15.652 put him 12th on the time sheets.
Juan Pablo Montoya "A good couple of days testing for me, despite minor problems yesterday. We managed to make good progress with our race set-up for Silverstone and the aerodynamic and suspension work was encouraging."
Pedro de la Rosa "A busy three days for me working through the scheduled programme for this week. We managed to achieve some good mileage on the car working through the various developments, particularly this morning where I completed a series of long runs."
Gary Paffett "This was only my second time testing in the MP4-21 and it was a shame that the track was wet for most of the morning. As I was only running for one day I was focused on a separate programme, but it is good to get more experience with the race car and despite the weather we managed to get some good data for the team."
