Formula 1
US GP McLaren preview
The West McLaren Mercedes team arrives at the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 2001 SAP United States Grand Prix, the penultimate round of the FIA Formula One World Championship. The team is looking to consolidate the second ...
Edited: Apr 15, 2002, 11:45 PM
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The West McLaren Mercedes team arrives at the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 2001 SAP United States Grand Prix, the penultimate round of the FIA Formula One World Championship. The team is looking to consolidate the second positions currently held in both the Constructors' and Drivers' tables, the West McLaren Mercedes team with 81 points and David Coulthard with a total of 57 points. The 2001 SAP United States Grand Prix is sponsored for a second consecutive year by SAP, a Corporate Partner of the West McLaren Mercedes team.
Since the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the team has been testing at Silverstone in preparation for the American race, with David, Alex Wurz and Mercedes-Benz DTM driver, Marcel Fässler. Alex clocked the fastest time of the week with 1:22.38 on Thursday.
McLaren has an illustrious history in America. Since the team's US Formula One debut in 1966, McLaren has been the most successful Formula One Constructor, with nine race victories. The team has also seen success in the CAN-AM Championship, which it dominated in the late 60's, and at the legendary Indianapolis 500, securing victory three times; in 1972 with Mark Donohue and in 1974 and 1976 with Johnny Rutherford.
The first official United States Grand Prix, which took place in 1959 at Sebring, was won by Bruce McLaren four years before he formed the McLaren team. Before the inaugural race, the Indy 500 was included in the Formula One World Championship for several years in the 1950's. The United States Grand Prix, which returned to the calendar last year following a nine year absence, has been held at a number of venues including Sebring, Riverside, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, Detroit, Dallas and Phoenix.
David Coulthard
"The banked corner at Indy provides a unique challenge in Formula One, which will make the 2001 SAP United States Grand Prix an exciting race for the drivers and fans alike. Obviously we're in a different position going into the race this year, as we now have experience of the circuit and the required set-up, and we are looking forward to making a race of it."
Mika Hakkinen
"I enjoy racing in America, especially as it was where I made my Formula One debut, at Phoenix in 1991, and what better venue than the Motor Speedway. It's technically demanding and the massive grandstands allow the fans an excellent view of the action"
Ron Dennis
"Following the positive test at Silverstone, the West McLaren Mercedes team is aiming to continue McLaren's successful American record at the 2001 SAP United States Grand Prix. We will be working hard to ensure we optimise set-up in order to deal with the tight, twisting infield and long fast straights, Indianapolis offers."
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