14/10/2005
NEWS STORY
Team McLaren Mercedes driver Pedro de la Rosa finished his last two practice sessions of the 2005 season fastest overall with a time of 1m32.834 and completed 20 and 30 laps in the two practice sessions at the Shanghai circuit. Team mates Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya ended the second practice session third and fifth with times of 1:34.092 and 1:34.541 completing 14 and 16 laps respectively. The Team McLaren Mercedes duo was fourth and sixth in the first practice session.
Kimi Raikkonen: "A good start to the weekend and let's hope it continues this way. Everything has been working well, and the car feels really strong. I can't wait for tomorrow and Sunday where hopefully we will be able to achieve our goal of winning the 2005 Constructors' World Championship."
Juan Pablo Montoya: "My car had a bit of understeer but apart from that everything worked well, and our package seems to cope well with the special challenges of the Shanghai circuit. We will continue our planned programme in tomorrow's two practice sessions and as always with Pedro's input and feedback regarding tyres we should be in a strong position."
Pedro de la Rosa: "A positive day where we completed our planned programme. We have a clear idea of which Michelin tyre to choose. I like this circuit despite only getting to know it today, and I felt at home already during the installation lap. The team have done a good job and as throughout the whole year they have supported me in a very efficient manner. On the occasion of my last Friday practice of the year I want to thank everybody in the team and in particular the guys who have been working on the third car."
Ron Dennis: "Other than a minor sensor fault on Kimi's car at the start of practice, today has been troublefree and very productive. We look forward to the rest of the weekend."
Norbert Haug: "A good start to the China Grand Prix weekend where we ran a good number of laps and completed our planned programme whilst moving in the right direction with our race set-up."