McLaren, Ferrari wrap up Ricard test
The McLaren and Ferrari teams completed on Friday a three-day test at the Paul Ricard circuit, wrapping up their preparations for the North American races
Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa, taking over from Finn Kimi Raikkonen at the wheel of the McLaren, finished on top of the times after 82 laps of the French track. De la Rosa joined British teammate Gary Paffett, third fastest today.
"We have completed a productive three-day session at Paul Ricard today, as we continued our preparations for the Canadian and United States Grands Prix," said McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh.
"As both tracks have similar characteristics, dominated by long, fast straights and hard braking zones, we have been working through aero, set-up and brake work with Kimi, Gary and Pedro.
"The adaptability of Ricard has allowed us to simulate the conditions at the two North American races, and the aero testing has included the wing packages for the events. Alongside this, the test team has completed tyre selection with Michelin for Indy, with Canada tyres already confirmed at the last Ricard test in late May.
"The week has seen reasonable running, with the three drivers covering over 2,600km in total. Today, both Pedro and Gary had some time in the garage to allow for engine changes at the end of the respective life cycles, and were able to get back on track to continue running."
Felipe Massa and Luca Badoer were again in action for the Ferrari team, who focussed mainly on tyre testing and aerodynamic work. The Brazilian was second quickest while Badoer, the busiest man today, finished at the bottom of the times.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:23.858 82 2. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:23.905 82 3. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:24.221 91 4. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:24.838 126 All Timing Unofficial
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