20/09/2006
NEWS STORY
Lewis Hamilton completed his first real test day with Team McLaren Mercedes at the Silverstone circuit today and mclaren.com caught up with him briefly once testing finished.
How was today's test compared to yesterday's shakedown?
Lewis Hamilton: "It really just keeps getting better. I'm learning so much and am just enjoying every single moment in the car, but it's a steep learning curve."
What did you do after the shakedown yesterday to prepare for today?
LH: "Once we finished running I was de-briefing with the engineers at the track and then went back to the hotel, had a bite to eat and then went to bed early. I wanted to make sure that I was 100 % ready for today's test."
What was the focus of the test today?
LH: "Just getting me used to this new environment....there are so many things which are different from what I'm used to. The power, the feeling of the car, the speed, the controls and the list just goes on. I'm working well with the test team, the engineers and Pedro and am looking forward to continuing making progress tomorrow. We are not focusing on times but just on getting me comfortable with everything. I'm sure at some point we will start looking at times but for now it really just is familiarisation."
What have been the main differences so far?
LH: "There are lots both inside and outside the cockpit but that is part of the challenge. There was a lot of people in the paddock today and I was literally swamped with people wanting autographs every time I went between the garage, the truck and the hospitality unit. I have never experienced anything like it and never expected it to be like this. Unfortunately you just don't have the time to sign everything and make everybody happy as there is so much work to do with the engineers....but I hope I managed to make some people happy by signing something."
What is the plan for Thursday's test?
LH: "I'm continuing with my familiarisation but am also expected to join Pedro in our Michelin tyre comparison programme for the Japanese Grand Prix and I can't wait."