McLaren in great shape

McLaren will not have worked for nothing. Badly born at the start of the season, the car from Woking caught up as the season progressed, to position itself today as one of the three best cars in the field, alongside the Red Bull and Brawn GP. This Friday, Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen were the main entertainers of the first test sessions on the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi.

« The whole day was very good, confirms Heikki Kovalainen, very happy to have set the best time in the second session. We had already done a good job in Woking to prepare for this circuit, so we had a good balance this morning. However, we had a brake problem to resolve during the session. This afternoon we managed to improve considerably, with the tires working very well. This circuit is pleasant, it is very regular with good grip and the kerbs are soft. In the straight, the SREC gives us an additional advantage. As for the light, it is not bothersome thanks to our tinted and detachable visors, which we can remove once the sun sets. »

For his part, Lewis Hamilton is also satisfied with these encouraging results for the race. “ It looks like we can be competitive here, confesses the 2008 world champion. Our long runs are good, the car seems perfect and the circuit is great. This is interesting when night falls, because you don't see the difference at dusk. It’s a circuit where driving is good. There are a lot of technical corners, where braking stability is important. The only passage I don't like is the tunnel. But it?s a challenge! We will see what happens tomorrow because the track conditions are still evolving. But we have a very decent pace. »

After winning two races during this second half of the season, the British driver even thinks that his car has never been as good as this weekend. “ Our car is more fun to drive today than it has ever been. It's going better and better. In a way, the year was excellent. It's like when you start a race from the back and counter-attack to get to the front. »