US GP: Jaguar Friday practice notes

Jaguar Racing drivers Mark Webber (27), Christian Klien (21) and Björn Wirdheim (24) had a productive day today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (USA) as they completed over 30 laps each during their two practice sessions. The weather remained dry to allow the team to work through and complete their test programmes ahead of tomorrow's qualifying and Sunday's race.

Despite many of the cars suffering from low grip and going off track, Mark, Christian and Björn remained on track and finished 11th, 16th and 15th respectively. The team is now focusing on tomorrow's qualifying and will be working on the data gathered today to help assist them in deciding their tyre and race strategy.

Mark Webber:

"This was a good day for me today and I worked through a comprehensive programme with my engineers. The team has achieved a good set-up on the car and the balance is feeling right. The weather can make a big difference at this track so I am pleased that we did not experience any of the rain that we saw yesterday. We are well prepared going into tomorrow and I will be working with my engineers tonight doing some fine tuning."

Christian Klien:

"It was my first opportunity this morning to experience this new track and I really enjoyed it. The circuit is unusual and the infield in particular is quite tricky. I worked through my full test programme and we were pleased to have completed it without any problems. The R5 is feeling well balanced around here and I have managed to achieve a good set-up in advance of tomorrow's qualifying. Completing a good number of laps makes a huge difference to us especially at a new track like this one is for me. I spent some time this morning working on familiarisation and I am comfortable with the track layout."

Björn Wirdheim:

"I really enjoyed driving the car today and I was pleased to have managed thirty laps. My running in Montreal (Canada) had been curtailed very early in the day so getting out and getting a full day today makes a huge difference. My test programme focused mainly on aerodynamic work during the morning session and then I also did some tyre work this afternoon. The grip was not great this morning but by this afternoon is was good and we could really push the R5. My set-up is good and I have only had to make minor changes.

Dr Mark Gillan -- Head of Vehicle Performance:

"All three drivers completed their planned test programmes today during their practice sessions and I was pleased with their results. The R5 was well prepared going into this race and that is reflected in the lack of changes that we have had to make during the day. Björn's car suffered a minor electrical disconnection that stopped him shortly after leaving the garage this morning but that was easily solved."

"The grip was quite low for the drivers this morning but it improved vastly by the end of the session and they managed to stay on track throughout. We split testing roles and between Mark, Christian and Björn we worked successfully on mechanical, aerodynamic, tyre and control optimisation. We are now focusing on our qualifying going into tomorrow and of course our main goal the race."

Mark Webber
Position: 11th
Best time: 1:12.438
Chassis: R5-04

Christian Klien
Position: 16th
Best time: 1:12.950
Chassis: R5-01

Björn Wirdheim
Position: 15th
Best time: 1:12.761
Chassis : R5 - 05

-jaguar-