14/01/2006
NEWS STORY
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McLaren test driver, Pedro d la Rosa, tries not to be partisan, but admits that he prefers testing in his native Spain.
Asked to name his favourite test track, during one of many red flag periods at Barcelona, the Spaniard said: "This one is very good, I think it's a great test track for tyres and for the cars.
"It's a very complete track you have a lot of variation, you have low speed chicanes and high speed corners, so as a whole I think this is the best track. Also the test is always very productive, as it is normally good weather and dry, not very windy. So as a test track this is one of the best."
Asked to name his least favourite test circuit, Pedro had no hesitation in responding. "The worst track is Silverstone by far," he told Pitpass, "because there is a 20-30 percent chance of rain so that's not very good. And then you have the mornings where the first three hours are wasted because of the track temperature being too low. Then there's a lot of red flags.
"It's just not a good test track," he added. "I don't like it. On average Spain is better."
Asked how the loss of Alexander Wurz, who has moved to WilliamsF1, will affect him, Pedro admitted: "I lose a friend, I think we lose a great test driver. But life continues, we have to give a chance to Gary (Paffett) as well."
When we asked if the loss of Alex, and his vast experience, will put more pressure upon him, Pedro smiled ands replied; "No I've always had enough pressure and I enjoy my job. I hope more of the testing duties rely upon me because I think I am capable of more."