F1 Spa-Francorchamps - FRI - Free Practice (VMM)

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, Aug 27, 2010

LEWIS HAMILTON
- MP4-25A-04
- P1 programme: 7 laps, 2m01.567s (+0.770s), 2nd
- P2 programme: 14 laps, 1m49.248s (+0.216s), 3rd

�The weather made it a bit of an up-and-down day. It started off very wet, so we didn�t do too much running in the morning. But we got a few more laps this afternoon on the Intermediates and then the Option tyre.


�Because the rules don�t allow us to use too many wet-weather tyres � we only have three Extremes and four Intermediates � we really need to look after them, so we were very cautious, just in case we need to use them later on in the weekend.

�We�re definitely making small steps forward. This track does seem to suit our car better [than in Hungary], but let�s not get ahead of ourselves. If it rains, then we seem to be competitive, but we have realistic expectations for this weekend � I didn�t score in the last race, so it�s important that we get more points on the board on Sunday.�

JENSON BUTTON
- MP4-25A-03
- P1 programme: 6 laps, 2m02.913s (+2.116s), 6th
- P2 programme: 20 laps, 1m49.755s (+0.723s), 7th

�Considering the conditions, I think today was a reasonable day. We�ve still got some more work to do, but I�m happier with the car here than I was in the last couple of races. I�ve got a reasonable balance and a good basis to work on, and that�s important.

�We got pretty much everything Spa could throw at us today. And, despite the weather, we still got some running done on the Extreme, Intermediate and Option tyre. I�m happy with how the car felt in the different conditions � it�s a positive.

�I purposely didn�t do too many laps on either wet-weather tyre, as I didn�t want to destroy them. You can�t afford to do that. So we looked after the tyres, which could be useful for us ahead of qualifying.�

MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

�The weather made things interesting, if challenging, today. Both our drivers were forced to conserve wet tyres in the expectation of needing them later in the weekend, which limited our running. However, they were satisfied with the balance of their cars � although in these conditions it�s almost impossible to establish competitiveness relative to rivals. So, overall, I guess I�ll just say that we�re pleased to end the day with two undamaged cars!�




















* Official photos and info courtesy of VODAFONE MCLAREN MERCEDES *

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