Canadian GP Friday McLaren notes

Canadian Grand Prix - Friday Practice

Chassis Numbers: Mika Hakkinen MP4-14/05 David Coulthard MP4-14/06 T.Car MP4-14/02

The West McLaren Mercedes team worked through today's two practice sessions to optimise the MP4-14 for the track and the hottest weather conditions we have experienced so far this season. David Coulthard had a very positive day finishing the practice session with a fastest lap of 1:20.664. Mika Hakkinen however, experienced some set up difficulties finishing the day in seventh place on a 1.21:950.

MIKA HAKKINEN 'Not enough laps today and finding the limit of the car has been difficult. I have been struggling with the set up of the car and I wasn't able to get the balance right under braking. Fortunately though it is only Friday and there is still time to get everything right.'

DAVID COULTHARD 'No real problems today as I worked on race set up. I will be concentrating on a good qualifying session for tomorrow.'

RON DENNIS 'David and his engineers worked progressively to improve the car and they did a very good job which is reflected in his times. Mika's day was frustrating he had a spin in the morning which was the result of a poor chassis balance. Towards the end of practice we found a better direction but never got a clear lap.'

MARIO ILLIEN 'Both engines ran well in the high ambient temperature. As always we are continuing to improve the characteristics of the engine to chassis parameters which are particuarly important to the cars performance out of the hairpins.'