Brazilian GP Friday McLaren notes

BRAZILIAN GRAND PRIX - FRIDAY PRACTICE

Changeable weather affected all the teams in the first day of running for the Brazilian Grand Prix. However, the West McLaren Mercedes team were pleased to see Mika Hakkinen at the top of the timing sheets with a fastest lap of 1:18.881 having completed 26 laps, closely followed by his team mate David Coulthard on a 1:19.352 with a total of 24 laps.

MIKA HAKKINEN 'I am pleased with the work we did today on the balance of the car even though the conditions were difficult. The track is much the same - very bumpy - with the pitlane entrance and exit slightly different which takes a bit of getting used to. I had a small leak on the water radiator but nothing that can't be fixed for tomorrow and as always I am optimistic for tomorrow.'

DAVID COULTHARD 'A satisfying morning session in the wet, however I was caught out this afternoon in the dry when I ran into the gravel owing to too much rear wheel brake balance. But basically I think we are in the right area.'

RON DENNIS 'Not a smooth day with rain and varying conditions complicating the running of the cars. Both drivers suffered minor problems, David with an off and Mika with a minor leak in the water radiator. Therefore, in the circumstances a reasonable day.'

NORBERT HAUG 'A difficult start in terms of track conditions. However, our times in the wet during the first part of the morning session were quite encouraging as were the ones during the dry part of this afternoon.'