Hungarian GP Friday McLaren notes

HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX - FRIDAY PRACTICE

Chassis Numbers: Mika Hakkinen: MP4 -14 / 04 David Coulthard: MP4 -14 / 06 T.Car: MP4 -14 / 02

The West McLaren Mercedes team went through their usual Free Practice programme with Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard finishing in second and third positions for today. Mika topped the timing sheets, until he spun off and became stuck in the gravel half an hour before the close of play, with a fastest lap of 1:19.722. David Coulthard completed a quickest lap of 1:20.117.

MIKA HAKKINEN 'I had a positive day's practice until I spun off during the second session. But I am not worried about missing the second half of the session as I am confident that we will make good progress tomorrow before qualifying.'

DAVID COULTHARD 'It is Friday the thirteenth and surprisingly everything is going to plan. We worked through our usual set up programme preparing the car for the race and I believe that we will be strong in qualifying trim.'

RON DENNIS 'The Hungarian circuit as always got faster towards the end of the session and weather conditions made practice a little tricky at times catching out several drivers including Mika. David and Mika both made good progress with the cars on what was a normal Friday free practice session in racing configuration.'

NORBERT HAUG 'As expected the times are very close here at the Hungaroring. Mika lost half of the second session following a spin. We feel comfortable for tomorrow's qualifying session.'