McLaren Silverstone test notes 2005-06-03

Today, at 17:00 BST/18:00 CET, Team McLaren Mercedes completed a three day testing programme at Silverstone circuit in the UK. Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya and Pedro de la Rosa have been in action this week, behind the wheel of MP4-20s.

The first two days of the test were focused on Michelin tyre evaluation and back-to-back testing for the forthcoming Canadian as well as the British Grand Prix. In addition to that testing was focused on suspension and set-up work for both Grands Prix. Juan Pablo and Pedro were present on the first day when testing had to be finished prematurely due to heavy rain mid-afternoon with Kimi and Pedro continuing the programme on day two.

Today saw Kimi, who ran consistently all day, joined by Juan Pablo on the Northamptonshire circuit with the focus for the pair on continued Michelin tyre testing for the British Grand Prix. Juan Pablo had an oil leak from the gearbox on his car at 10:20, which contaminated the clutch and lead to the gearbox being changed. After rain had set in at 15:20 testing had to be continued on wet weather tyres.

The Columbian was back on track before the lunch break. Kimi had a productive day completing 82 laps. The Finn was the fastest man on the track all week with a time of 1m16.953s posted today.

Kimi Raikkonen:

"I am very happy with how the test went this week. I completed our scheduled programme without any problems and have some positive results, after having covered more than three Grands Prix distances with my engine yesterday and today. I am now looking forward to getting back on track in Montreal next Friday."

Juan Pablo Montoya:

"We had a good session this week, there were a couple of small issues as is always the case with testing, but the team resolved them quickly, and we were able to cover over 400 kms in total during my testing."

Pedro de la Rosa:

"I had two constructive testing days and we have gained some interesting data. We now have a very good understanding towards which Michelin tyre we will use at the Montreal and the Silverstone races."

-mclaren-