McLaren Barcelona test notes 2005-02-16

Team McLaren Mercedes completed its second scheduled day's testing at the Circuit de Catalunya today. Juan Pablo Montoya was present at the circuit alongside Pedro de la Rosa, who was deputising for Kimi Raikkonen after the team took the precaution for him not to test today after yesterday's accident.

Kimi is fine and currently resting at home in Finland following further medical check ups today. The extent of the damage to his car covered the front wing, left front corner, left side pod, left rear corner, and the rear crash structure.

The focus of Juan Pablo's programme today was durability and calibrating the car for Australia and he completed 119 laps. Today was the final opportunity for Juan Pablo to test MP4-20 ahead of the season opener in Melbourne.

The mechanics meanwhile worked overnight and throughout this morning to repair Kimi's MP4-20 for Pedro, and the Spaniard completed his first installation lap at 13:35. Pedro's afternoon programme was also focusing on calibrating the car for the forthcoming Australian race and he completed 63 laps.

Juan Pablo Montoya:

"Today has been a productive day with the focus on the forthcoming Australian Grand Prix. The next time I will drive MP4-20 will be in Melbourne, my first Grand Prix for Team McLaren Mercedes which I am really looking forward to."

Pedro de la Rosa :

"The mechanics have worked through the night and throughout this morning in order to repair the car so I could test today. They have done a fantastic job and although Kimi was unable to be here today, I have continued with the planned testing programme."

Pedro de la Rosa will continue at the circuit tomorrow for the final day of this week's test in MP4-20 as originally planned.

-mclaren-