Formula One news

Strong start to Spanish weekend for McLaren

McLaren Mercedes driver Fernando Alonso emerged fastest from today's two practice sessions at the Barcelona circuit with a time of 1:21.397 set in the second session. Lewis Hamilton was fastest in the first session with a time of 1:21.880 whilst Fernando was second with 1:22.268. In the second session Lewis was fifth with 1:22.188. 

"A great start to my home Grand Prix with a trouble free Friday practice," said Alonso. "We went through the usual programme of tyre evaluation and set-up work, but had a pretty good balance early on. We have definitely improved the car further since Bahrain. I look forward to the rest of the weekend and really want to do my best for all the supporters."

Hamilton commented, "We completed our pre-planned programme focusing on tyres and set-up work. Everything went well. I set my fastest time early in the session and was able to be consistent throughout, so I'm fairly confident for the rest of the weekend."

Team boss Ron Dennis added, "Since the Bahrain Grand Prix the team has worked really hard on improving the car and there is no doubt that this has paid off, but we have to wait until Sunday to see how effective our developments have been. However we have had the best possible start to the weekend."

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