Monaco GP McLaren Thursday notes

Mika Hakkinen Chassis 04
David Coulthard Chassis 05
T-car (Mika) Chassis 01
T-car (David) Chassis 02

The West McLaren Mercedes team made a competitive start to the Monaco Grand Prix weekend when Mika Hakkinen was quickest and David Coulthard third in today’s Free Practice. The Grand Prix is a home event for both drivers, since they both reside in the Principality. Mika completed 28 laps and set a time of 1:21.387. David did one more lap and his time was 1:22.098.

MIKA HAKKINEN
‘We had a trouble free day where we made various adjustments to the car to ensure that we have a good set up for Saturday and Sunday. The various incidents at La Rascasse in both sessions didn’t affect our progress. However I know it’s a difficult corner, but we have had more incidents there this year than previously.’

DAVID COULTHARD
‘An enjoyable first day at this track which is the ultimate challenge for a driver. I didn’t get a clear lap towards the end of the session, which was a shame because I believe I could have improved my time. You are so close to the barriers and I did touch going up the hill but no damage was done. I look forward to the rest of this event.’

RON DENNIS
‘We experienced no mechanical problems at all today but encountered the normal frustrations of traffic and ever changing track conditions. Let’s hope the weather stays as nice for the weekend.’

NORBERT HAUG
‘A good start to the Monaco weekend. It will be a very tough qualifying session on Saturday, but should be in a position to have a similar performance as today.’