McLaren Jerez test notes 2005-06-24

Team McLaren Mercedes completed its three day testing programme at the Circuito de Jerez today, with Kimi Raikkonen setting the fastest time of the day at the Spanish circuit.

Kimi was in action alongside Pedro de la Rosa today, Kimi continuing performance testing work, focusing on suspension in the MP4-20, taking over duties from Juan Pablo. Kimi had mechanical problems this afternoon which cost him two hours of track time but completed his programme.

In a change to the schedule, Pedro was behind the wheel of the MP4-19B, taking over from Alex who trapped a nerve in his back yesterday. Pedro continued with the Michelin tyre development programme, concentrating on evaluations of the prime and option tyre for the forthcoming French Grand Prix.

Pedro suffered an engine failure at 09:15 this morning. The test team completed an engine change and he was back out on track within two hours. Pedro then completed the reminder of his programme without any problems.

Kimi's fastest lap time today was a 1m17.090s and he completed 63 laps. Pedro was eighth fastest, completing 96 laps with a best time of 1m17.680

Pedro de la Rosa:

"I flew back from the USA, was at the McLaren Technology Centre yesterday and then got the call to fly out to Jerez to take over the on-track work from Alex! It has been a busy day, and we have been able to do more than 400km for our Michelin tyre development work for the French Grand Prix despite the fact that we had to change the engine this morning."

Kimi Raikkonen:

"We have had a productive session in which we focused our performance testing work on the suspension of the MP4-20. My task was to complete the testing work of Juan Pablo on the last day. With the developments we both made to the car we should benefit from in the forthcoming French and British Grands Prix."

Juan Pablo Montoya:

"I'm happy with the testing results. I did 132 laps in total on the first two days of testing and achieved the fastest on each of the days respectively. Besides my tyre evaluation programme I was focusing on suspension and gearbox development work."

-mclaren-