OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Shanghai, China, Apr 17, 2009
2009 CHINESE GRAND PRIX � FREE PRACTICE ANALYSIS
HEIKKI KOVALAINEN
MP4-24-03
P1 programme
23 laps � 1m37.672s (4th)
Heikki ran a couple of installs on the option tyre before beginning his day�s running, using the prime to notch up three further runs (five laps/1m37.672s best; five laps/1m38.173s and four laps/1m37.716s). He completed a comparison between the old and new front-wing specs although reported a persistent issue with the hydraulic flap system, which compromised his consistency. �I�m very impressed by the performance upgrades for this race,� he said afterwards. �We still need to do more work to find the best balance, but our car definitely feels more stable here.�
P2 programme
34 laps � 1m36.674s (9th)
As with most Friday afternoons, the team ran a tyre comparison programme, particularly looking at the stint-life of the super-soft Bridgestone option, which is expected to be more marginal here than at other circuits. Heikki started the session on primes, running a five-lap stint (1m38.219s) and a longer eight-lap run on a heavier fuel-load (1m37.918s). Towards the end of the session, he did a 10-lap run on options, setting a 1m39.130s best and being impressed by the tyre�s consistency. He ended the day with a couple of quick laps, setting his best time of the day with a 1m36.674s.
LEWIS HAMILTON
MP4-24-04
P1 programme
22 laps � 1m37.334s (1st)
Lewis started the session using the new six-plane front wing and immediately reported an improvement in the front-end. �The car instantly felt a bit better,� he said. �I can definitely feel more stability and downforce from the front.� After two initial install laps, Lewis completed three shorter runs (four laps/1m37.603s; three laps/1m37.334s and four laps 1m37.838s). �We�ve definitely made a step forward for this race,� he concluded. �The car feels much stronger through the corners and I think we�ve got a very positive baseline for the rest of the weekend.�
P2 programme
22 laps � 1m36.941s (13th)
Between-session bodywork changes to the car meant Lewis began P2 a little later than planned as the team turned their focus towards tyre evaluations over longer stints. Lewis did three runs, starting with a shorter five-lap stint on primes (1m36.941s) before testing the super-soft option tyre: seven laps/1m37.341s and nine laps/1m37.283s which showcased the limited life of the softer rubber. �My first run on the options felt quite consistent,� he said, �The drop-off definitely feels manageable. This was a good day, although we still need to work on MP4-24�s medium- and high-speed balance.�
COMMENTS
MARTIN WHITMARSH
�The team, both at the track and back in the factory, has done a fantastic job to get these bodywork upgrades to Shanghai � and initial analysis would suggest that they have contributed to a slight uplift in our overall competitiveness. We are still working on MP4-24�s overall balance, but nonetheless concluded some productive tyre evaluation work. Heikki�s day was compromised by a hydraulic system problem which failed to adjust his front wing flaps correctly, a fault that distracted both him and his engineers from their regular programme.�
NORBERT HAUG
�Seeing Lewis in P1 after this morning�s session brought back some good memories � although we are aware that the team�s package is not yet competitive. Still, the improvements we have made to the car � which are particularly relentless at the moment � should see us making another encouraging step forward. Sunday�s race will be greatly influenced by the performance over a stint of the Bridgestone super-soft, but our consistency on both tyres looks quite okay at this early stage of the weekend.�
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