17/01/2007
NEWS STORY
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Following their launches, both McLaren and BMW got down to serious work today, as both teams began their preparations for the 2007 Formula One World Championship which kicks off in a little over eight weeks.
Reigning World Champion, Fernando Alonso, served notice that he has every intention retaining his crown by setting the fastest time of the day.
The MP4-22 took to the track for the first time at 10:11 this morning. The programme for the one day shakedown centred around initial system checks along with work on the engine mapping, before preparations for the new season begin in earnest next week at the same track.
There were no problems with the new Mercedes-Benz FO108T, other than for a slight oil leak from a joint during the afternoon, which was quickly recognised and rectified allowing the session to continue without any problems.
"I am very happy after today's shakedown," said Alonso. "We achieved our principle objectives, with regards how the car felt to drive. I am familiar with the MP4-21 as I tested it for one day last year, so there were no great surprises. It has the same philosophy, which is good as I felt comfortable in this car.
Working with the team so far has been really positive," he added, "and I feel that the atmosphere is really enthusiastic. Everyone is really focused on preparing the car for the first race and we are approaching the start of the new season in a good way.
"Obviously today was just a shakedown and as a result running was limited. We were working in a very concentrated manner and attention was being paid to every detail of the car. I feel that over all today has been really good and the next few weeks testing will be very productive."
BMW had its two 2007 race drivers on duty, though it was Nick Heidfeld who had sole use of the F1.07. Following yesterday's roll-out this was the first day of testing with the F1.07, while Kubica did comparisons with the F1.06B. Today's programme was mainly system checks.
"One day after the launch this was a very productive day," said Willy Rampf. "We almost completed our system checks. Beside this Nick started with some set-up work. This had a good impact on the handling of the car. We are happy so far."
Tomorrow and Friday, BMW has exclusive use of the Valencia track, with McLaren having sole use of the Spanish circuit next week.
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