German GP: Michelin race notes

RÄIKKÖNEN LEADS MICHELIN CHALLENGE IN GERMANY

Kimi Räikkönen (Team McLaren Mercedes) was the leading Michelin finisher in today's German Grand Prix. The Finn started from pole position and went on to finish third - his fifth podium finish of the campaign.

Jenson Button (Honda, fourth), Fernando Alonso (Renault, fifth), Giancarlo Fisichella (Renault, sixth) and Christian Klien (Red Bull, eighth) also scored points on Michelin tyres. Alonso and Renault continue to lead the world championships for drivers and constructors, by 11 points and 10 points respectively.

Nick Shorrock, Michelin F1 director:

"Despite the intense hard work that went into preparing for the German Grand Prix, we were caught today by a number of problems that simply weren't apparent during our pre- race test. We obviously need to look at all the data in detail, but initial analysis indicates that many of our cars suffered tyre-blistering problems at the rear."

"We obviously expected high temperatures, but the products we brought to Hockenheim were perhaps too aggressive and we need to examine ways to prevent this happening again when conditions are similar."

"We have lots of data to analyse - Honda and Renault ran on the same compound this weekend, for instance, but different constructions - and we will capitalise on the lessons learned today to make sure we select an appropriate range of products for Hungary next weekend, when temperatures are likely to be similarly hot. The world championship fight is becoming ever more intense but we will respond accordingly."

Ron Dennis, McLaren Group chairman:

"I think today's result was as good as we could have expected in the circumstances. We know we'll have to work hard with Michelin to rise to our rivals' challenge during this season's remaining races."

-michelin-