Bahrain GP: McLaren Friday practice notes

West McLaren Mercedes driver David Coulthard finished today's practice at the Bahrain circuit in 11th place overall after setting a fastest time of 1:32.495 and completing 27 laps. Team mate Kimi Raikkonen ended last after being forced to pull over, only a few minutes into the second session, when his engine stopped after a fire in the air tray caused by a fuel leak. The engine has to be changed and due to the one engine rule Kimi's grid position will be relegated by ten places.

David Coulthard:

"Obviously not the best start to the weekend. Towards the end of the second session I had a left rear tyre failure which caused me to go off the track and we are looking into why at the moment as it can be a number of factors. However I did manage to get a few laps in and the track does represent an interesting challenge."

Kimi Raikkonen:

"I'm obviously disappointed to lose almost all of the second practice session due to an engine failure. All of a sudden I just lost all power. It's a shame as I was going to go for it, as I had used the first session to familiarise myself with the track. I quite like the circuit, and it's not too dusty or slippery. However there are a lot of small stones flying up sometimes particularly if you are behind somebody."

Ron Dennis:

"A very disruptive first day for both drivers. As always we were concentrating on optimising our race pace, which at this stage doesn't look too bad."

Norbert Haug:

"Kimi's engine stopped after a fire in the air tray caused by a fuel leak. The damage to the engine was severe enough that we need to change it. David suffered a left rear tyre failure at the end of the second practice session."

David Coulthard: MP4-19 03
Kimi Raikkonen: MP4-19 04
T-car (David): MP4-19 01

-mclaren-