McLaren Drivers Happy with Circuit Changes

McLaren drivers Kimi Raikkonen and David Coulthard were happy with the changes to the Hockenheim circuit after Friday's free practice for the German Grand Prix.

"I quite like the new circuit lay out and I think it will help us provide an exciting race on Sunday," said Raikkonen after practice. "There are some places to overtake, but I think the hairpin probably offers the best opportunity."

The Finn, who will continue with the McLaren team in 2003, had a promising start to his weekend, setting the third quickest time of the day behind the two Ferraris of Michael Schumacher and teammate Rubens Barrichello.

"The balance of the car is OK and we will still be able to find a bit more speed, but we are getting there," he added. "I could have been quicker in my last run but ran into traffic so we will see where we really are tomorrow."

Raikkonen's teammate Coulthard, who will also remain at the team next season, finished in fourth position despite a more troubled session than the Finn. Coulthard damaged his car in the afternoon after going off the track, but his mechanics repaired it quickly and he could complete his day's work.

"I was looking forward to experiencing the new circuit lay out and I think it's good," he said. "There are a number of overtaking opportunities and the section in front of the Mercedes-Benz grandstand is challenging.

"In the first session we had a small problem with the driveshaft, which limited the number of laps I was able to do and in the second session I ran off the track and damaged the floor of the car."